What it means
Two letters with more than one meaning. In a medication order, "MS" could be read as morphine sulfate or as magnesium sulfate, two very different drugs, and mix-ups have harmed patients. In other notes it often means multiple sclerosisMUL-tih-pul skluh-ROH-sisA long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.scler/o hard-osis conditionFull entry . The Joint Commission's official "Do Not Use" list bans MS, MSO4 and MgSO4: write "morphine sulfate" or "magnesium sulfate" in full.
For the nurse
If an order says "MS," do not guess: contact the prescriber to clarify the drug name before giving anything. Write the full drug name yourself in all records.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | MSO4 and MgSO4 are on the same do-not-use list |
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Related terms
multiple sclerosis
A long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
morphine
A strong opioid drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain.