South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

For discontinued medications, what type of documentation is needed by the attending physician?

1. Written order

2. Verbal consent

3. Emergency authorization

4. Fax confirmation

The correct answer is: Written order

For discontinued medications, a written order from the attending physician is required to ensure clear and formal documentation. This written order serves as an official record indicating that the medication has been discontinued and helps to prevent any potential misunderstandings regarding the patient's treatment plan. A written order provides a permanent reference that can be reviewed by other healthcare providers, ensuring consistency in the patient's care and preventing administration errors. It is also crucial for maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and guidelines, as proper documentation is essential for patient safety and legal accountability in healthcare settings. Alternative documentation methods like verbal consent, emergency authorization, or fax confirmation may have their own specific uses, but they are generally not sufficient for documenting the discontinuation of medications. A written order remains the gold standard for ensuring that all aspects of treatment are thoroughly recorded and communicated among the healthcare team.