What it means
A short form with two opposite-sounding meanings. On a medication list, "D/C" meant as "discharge" has been read as "discontinue", so clients' drugs were stopped by mistake. ISMP lists it as error-prone.
For the nurse
Write "discharge" or "discontinue" (or "stop") in full. If an order says D/C, ask the prescriber which is meant before acting.
Related terms
verbal order
An order for a treatment or drug that a provider speaks aloud, in person or by phone, instead of writing or entering it.