In medication orders, DC means which action?

In medication orders, DC means which action?

• A. Discontinue
• B. Discharge
• C. Direct correction
• D. Do not

Answer: (A)

In medication orders, DC means discontinue. It tells the care team to stop giving that medication. This is used when the drug is no longer needed, is not appropriate for the patient, or poses safety issues. It differs from discharge (which means the patient leaving the hospital) and from other nonstandard phrases like direct correction or do not. When you see DC, you should stop administering the med, remove it from the medication administration record, document the discontinuation, and inform the patient and pharmacy as needed. If stopping a medication could affect the patient (for example, risk of withdrawal or return of symptoms), monitor and report any changes.

In medication orders, DC means discontinue. It tells the care team to stop giving that medication. This is used when the drug is no longer needed, is not appropriate for the patient, or poses safety issues. It differs from discharge (which means the patient leaving the hospital) and from other nonstandard phrases like direct correction or do not. When you see DC, you should stop administering the med, remove it from the medication administration record, document the discontinuation, and inform the patient and pharmacy as needed. If stopping a medication could affect the patient (for example, risk of withdrawal or return of symptoms), monitor and report any changes.