Problems with orders for medication as needed
Abstract
The safety of an order for medication as needed depends on assumptions and knowledge that may or may not accompany that order. Physicians should consider carefully the need for prescribing potent medications on an as-needed basis for newly admitted patients, particularly if these patients have not been examined, their histories are unknown, and no diagnosis has been established. In addition, the language of such orders should leave as little as possible to chance. Interpretation of orders should not be left to the discretion of staff members who may be inexperienced in the administration of medications that require frequent monitoring and astute interpretation of side effects.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).