What term is used for orders for medications that are needed immediately?

The term used for orders for medications that are required immediately is "stat orders." This term originates from the Latin word "statim," meaning "immediately." In a clinical setting, when a healthcare provider places a stat order, it indicates that the medication is critical and needs to be delivered to the patient as quickly as possible, often to address urgent medical conditions or emergencies.

Stat orders typically require the pharmacist and pharmacy staff to prioritize these medications, ensuring they are processed and dispensed without delay. This can be crucial in time-sensitive situations, such as during acute medical events where a patient’s health is at risk.

Routine orders, on the other hand, are for medications that can be administered on a scheduled basis and do not require immediate attention. Emergency orders might imply a need for urgent medication but usually refer more to situations rather than the exact terminology used in pharmacy practice. On-call orders are typically arrangements where medications are not immediately required but are prepared ahead of time for potential future use, based on a healthcare provider's judgment.