Which of the following abbreviations indicates something should be taken "by mouth"?

The abbreviation that indicates something should be taken "by mouth" is "PO," which stands for "per os" in Latin. This term literally means "by mouth," and it is commonly used in medical prescriptions and documentation to specify that a medication or substance is to be ingested orally.

Using "PO" helps healthcare providers quickly convey the route of administration for medications, which is crucial for ensuring proper patient care. Understanding this abbreviation is important for anyone involved in medical documentation or medication administration.

The other abbreviations mentioned refer to different routes of administration. "IV" stands for intravenous, indicating that a substance is to be administered directly into the bloodstream. "IM" stands for intramuscular, which means the substance is injected into a muscle. "SL" stands for sublingual, referring to medication that is placed under the tongue, allowing for absorption through the mucous membranes but not directly by mouth in the traditional sense. Understanding these distinctions helps healthcare professionals ensure accurate medication delivery.