Which medication is often confused due to its abbreviation and should be written out?

The correct answer, magnesium sulfate, is often confused due to its abbreviation "MgSO4." When abbreviations are used in medication orders, there is a risk of misinterpretation, leading to potentially serious medication errors. The abbreviation for magnesium sulfate can easily be misread or mistaken for other similarly abbreviated medications, particularly when the context is not clear.

When working in a pharmacy or clinical setting, it is essential to write out magnesium sulfate in full to ensure clarity and to prevent miscommunication. This practice aligns with safety guidelines and protocols aimed at reducing the risk of medication errors, especially since magnesium sulfate is commonly used in critical care settings and for conditions such as eclampsia and magnesium deficiency.

In contrast, other medications listed might have their own safety considerations, but they do not carry the same level of confusion associated with their commonly used abbreviations. For instance, while calcium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and iron sulfate are important medications, their abbreviations are less frequently misinterpreted in practice compared to magnesium sulfate. Thus, writing out magnesium sulfate helps promote patient safety and reduces the potential for harm.