What it means
A safety rule for writing doses. Without the zero, ".5 mg" can be read as "5 mg" if the decimal point is missed, a tenfold overdose. Leaving out the leading zero (a "naked" decimal point) is on the Joint Commission's "Do Not Use" list, so a leading zero is always required. Its partner rule is never to write a trailing zeroTRAY-ling ZEER-ohA zero written after the decimal point in a whole-number dose, as in 1.0 mg; it must not be used.Full entry .
For the nurse
Always write 0.25 mg, never .25 mg. Clarify any order with a naked decimal point before giving the drug.
Remember it
Always lead with zero; never trail with zero.
Easy to confuse with
trailing zero
A zero written after the decimal point in a whole-number dose, as in 1.0 mg; it must not be used.
Related terms
U
An abbreviation for "unit" that must not be used in medication orders; write "unit" in full.
trailing zero
A zero written after the decimal point in a whole-number dose, as in 1.0 mg; it must not be used.