Which of the following should be written out instead of abbreviated on a medication order to prevent errors?

In medication orders, certain abbreviations can lead to confusion and potentially serious medication errors. Magnesium sulfate is one of those medications that should be written out in full to avoid misinterpretation.

There are several reasons why writing out "magnesium sulfate" is advisable. First, the abbreviation "MgSO4" may be misread as "morphine sulfate," particularly if the handwriting is unclear or if there are deficiencies in labeling. Such confusion can lead to administering the wrong medication, which has serious safety implications.

Additionally, magnesium sulfate has a specific therapeutic use, such as for treating eclampsia or certain types of arrhythmias, and it can have significant side effects if dosed incorrectly. Therefore, to ensure clear communication among healthcare providers and to enhance patient safety, it's best to avoid abbreviations that may lead to misunderstandings.

Other substances like potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and ferrous sulfate are typically considered safe to abbreviate in many settings, as they are less likely to be confused with other medications. However, magnesium sulfate is distinctive in its risk profile and potential for error, emphasizing the importance of clear and unambiguous communication in medication orders.