What it means
From the Latin statim, at once. A stat order is to be carried out right away and only once, such as a stat medication, lab test or x-ray. It ranks above routine and "as soon as possible" (ASAP) orders. It is not on the Joint Commission or ISMP do-not-use lists.
For the nurse
Carry out a stat order before routine work, and follow the facility's time limit for it.
In a chart
"Troponin stat; ECG stat; aspirin 324 mg PO now."
At a glance
| Also written | STAT |
|---|
Related terms
PRN
As needed: an order for a drug or treatment to be given only when the client needs it, within set limits.