In the context of medical orders, what does "pending" typically refer to?

The term "pending" in medical orders indicates that the order is still awaiting a decision or completion. This means that the order has been initiated but has not yet been finalized or executed. It may require clarification, approval from a physician, lab results, or other factors before it can proceed. Understanding this context is vital for ensuring patient care continuity, as healthcare providers need to be aware of which orders are still in this state to follow up appropriately or take necessary actions.

When an order is marked as pending, it serves as a reminder to the healthcare team that attention is needed to resolve any outstanding issues, ensuring that patient treatment is timely and effective.