Which term describes a voice or phone-based medication order?

• A. Telephone Order
• B. Electronic Order
• C. Written Order
• D. Stored Order

Answer: (A)

Voice or phone-based medication orders are called telephone orders. The emphasis here is on conveying the instruction verbally rather than in writing or electronically. Because spoken orders can be misheard, they usually come with safeguards like the nurse read-back, confirmation by the prescriber, and precise documentation with date and time and the clinician’s name. The prescriber’s signature or verification within an established timeframe is also typically required to finalize the order. This differs from an electronic order, which is entered directly into the electronic health record; a written order, which is documented on paper; and a stored order, which is a standing or pre-approved instruction kept in the system.