What it means
Shorthand for prenatal vitamins, the multivitamins with folic acid and iron taken before and during pregnancy. ISMP lists PNV as error-prone because it has been read as "penicillin VK," an antibiotic.
For the nurse
Write "prenatal vitamins" in full. Teach that folic acid before and early in pregnancy lowers the risk of neural tube defects.
Related terms
vitamin
A substance the body needs in small amounts for normal growth and function, mostly from food.
folic acid
A B vitamin (vitamin B9) that the body needs to make DNA and red blood cells.