Which abbreviation would you use to indicate a medication is to be taken immediately?

The abbreviation "STAT" is derived from the Latin term "statim," which means "immediately." It is commonly used in medical and clinical contexts to indicate that a particular action or medication should be administered without delay. This urgency is crucial in situations where a patient may be experiencing critical symptoms and requires prompt treatment to address their condition.

In contrast, the other abbreviations indicate different timing or frequency for medication administration. "AC" refers to administering the medication "before meals," while "BID" stands for "twice a day," and "TID" means "three times a day." These terms specify schedules rather than immediate action, making them unsuitable for conveying urgency in medication administration. Therefore, "STAT" is the correct choice when an immediate response is necessary.