What does standing order mean in medical terms?

In medical terms, a standing order is an instruction given by a doctor to a nurse to perform a certain task or treatment on a regular basis without a specific order each time. Standing orders are typically used in hospitals or other healthcare facilities to ensure that patients receive consistent and timely care, and to reduce the need for the doctor to write repeated orders.

For example, a standing order might be given for a patient to receive a certain medication every day at a specific time, or to have their vital signs checked every four hours. Standing orders are often used for tasks that are routine or predictable, and can help to streamline workflow and improve patient care.

It's important to note that standing orders should only be used for tasks that are within the scope of the nurse's practice and that do not require the doctor's individual assessment or judgment. If a patient's condition changes or if there are any concerns about the appropriateness of a standing order, the nurse should consult with the doctor before proceeding.