1.5 Types of Medication Orders

Prescriptions (Rx)

Components of a Medication Order/Prescription

Medication orders are written by doctors and use specific components, including directions for the person giving the drug.

The components of a medication order are the following:

1. Medication name 

Some orders give not only the name of the medication, but also indicate a specific form of the drug (given in italics):

• Neosporin ointment ophthalmic
• Aspirin EC
• Aspirin supp

2. Administration route  

Medications may be given through different routes, though any medication may be prepared to be administered by different methods. Examples include po (oral), sl (sublingual), sc (subcutaneous), and IV (intravenous).

3. Administration frequency

All hospitals have a schedules of hours for the administration of medications. You must learn the schedule for your particular hospital unit. Military time (the 24-hour clock) is used in place of standard time in the healthcare system.

4. Medication dose

The dose is the amount of medication to be given. Quantities can be specified in many different forms; for example, in L, mL, mg, and mcg, among others.

5. Qualifying phrases

Qualifying phrases are used when the doctor wants the medication to be administered for a specific reason or condition. These are not included in all medication orders.

Examples of qualifying phrases:

• For severe pain
• For stomach spasm
• For N&V (nausea and vomiting)
• For insomnia
• While awake only

Types of Medication Orders and Prescriptions

Certain types of medication orders that may be seen in the hospital and community setting include the following:

Prescriptions: Medications that must be prescribed by a physician because they are not safe to take unless under professional medical supervision.

Over the Counter (OTC):  Medications that do not need a prescription and can be purchased in local stores.

Scheduled medication orders: These orders must be recorded on the medication administration record (MAR) and have times or frequencies assigned. The orders specify that medications are to be given once a day, twice a day, or at a certain time.

PRN orders: These orders do not have times or frequencies assigned. They are given as needed; for example, when the patient is in pain or experiencing nausea.

One-time or short-series orders: These orders are for medication that is given one time only or for a limited number of doses; for example, two doses in 24 hours.

STAT orders: This type of order is for medications that are ordered from the pharmacy by phone or computer and must be filled immediately, then followed up with a pharmacy requisition. This type of order must be processed right away so that the medication can be given to the patient immediately.

Verbal orders: Verbal orders are given by a physician over the phone or sometimes in person, usually to a charge nurse, who then documents the order to be signed by the physician at a later time. This often occurs in the evening, when the physician is away, so that the medication can be ordered and given to the patient prior to the physician returning to the unit. The nurse who takes this order writes v/o next to it in the chart, and the when the physician comes in, they will sign the order.

Standing or preprinted orders: These orders vary among units and are created for common procedures or patient conditions so that a physician can simply check off their desired order on a set of preprinted orders, and then sign the document. This helps make ordering medications easier for both the physician and other medical professionals who process the orders.

Automatic stop order: This type of order originates in the hospital pharmacy and is not written by the physician. An automatic stop order is given for all medications, especially for certain types of medications that may be detrimental for patients if they are given for a long period of time. Some patients stay in the hospital for a long time, and an automatic stop order reminds the physician that the medication order will be discontinued after a certain number of days if not reordered.