What is the primary purpose of a medication order?

The primary purpose of a medication order is to provide clear instructions for the administration of medications to patients. This document communicates vital information, such as the specific medication to be administered, the dosage, the route of administration, and the frequency of dosing. This ensures that healthcare professionals can safely and effectively deliver the appropriate medication to the patient, while minimizing the risk of errors.

In contrast, determining the cost of medications, tracking medication popularity, or creating a patient medical history are not the main functions of a medication order. While these aspects can be part of the broader healthcare system, they do not pertain directly to the administration of medications. The focus of a medication order is strictly on the safe and accurate delivery of treatment to the patient.