What it means
An order that tells a pharmacy or the care team what to give a client. A complete medication prescription names the client, the drug, the dose, the route, how often, and the prescriber, with the date and time. Prescribers include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and dentists, within state law. Drugs that need one are called prescription drugs, as opposed to over-the-counterOH-ver thuh KOWN-terSold without a prescription.Full entry drugs.
For the nurse
Check every order for all its parts before giving a drug. If any part is missing, unclear or seems unsafe, contact the prescriber before acting; a nurse does not give a drug just because it was ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | receta, prescripción |
|---|---|
| Also written | Rx, prescriptions |
Related terms
contraindication
A reason not to give a drug or do a treatment, because in that person it could cause harm.
over-the-counter
Sold without a prescription.
dosage
The amount of a drug and how often and for how long it is given.