Orders for medications that are needed right away are called:

Orders for medications that are needed right away are referred to as "STAT orders." The term "STAT" comes from the Latin word "statim," which means "immediately." In a healthcare setting, a STAT order indicates that a medication should be administered as soon as possible, often to address a critical or urgent situation.

This is distinct from other types of orders: PRN orders are for medications that are to be taken as needed, rather than at a specific time; standing orders are guidelines for administration of medication under certain conditions but do not imply urgency; and parenteral refers to a method of delivering medication by injection rather than by mouth, without indicating the urgency for administration. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for ensuring timely and appropriate patient care.