When writing a dependent intervention, what do we put at the end?

• A. per order
• B. as needed
• C. by patient request
• D. as directed by policy

Answer: (A)

Dependent interventions require an order from a physician or authorized clinician. When documenting such tasks, you conclude with a note that they are performed per order. This signals that the action is not initiated by the patient or governed by a standing policy, but follows a specific medical instruction. Saying it’s “as needed” would imply a PRN approach without a defined order, “by patient request” makes it patient-initiated, and “as directed by policy” points to a standing protocol rather than a specific order. Per order is the clearest way to indicate the intervention is contingent on a physician’s directive.