North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

What does OTC stand for in medication terminology?

1. Over-the-counter

2. On-the-clock

3. Once a day

4. Oral treatment care

The correct answer is: Over-the-counter

In medication terminology, OTC stands for "over-the-counter." This refers to medications that can be purchased without a prescription from a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter medications are typically considered safe and effective for self-treatment of common health issues, such as headaches, colds, or allergies. These drugs are regulated by health authorities to ensure that they are accessible to patients while also being safe for consumer use when taken as directed. This accessibility allows individuals to manage minor health concerns without needing to consult a medical professional, simplifying access to healthcare. The other terms do not accurately represent the acronym OTC in this context. "On-the-clock" generally pertains to scheduling or working hours, "once a day" refers to a dosing frequency, and "oral treatment care" does not succinctly define a specific category of medications. Therefore, "over-the-counter" is the correct interpretation of OTC in this context.