To order a bolus of normal saline correctly, what must be included in the order?

To effectively order a bolus of normal saline, it is essential to specify "bolus" within the name of the order. This terminology clearly indicates that the administration should be delivered as a rapid infusion rather than a continuous IV drip or other forms of fluid administration. Including "bolus" in the order ensures that the healthcare team understands the urgency and the specific method of delivery needed for the patient’s treatment.

While knowing patient's weight is important for dosage and fluid management, specifying the total volume is also pivotal for dosing accuracy during the administration, it is the explicit mention of "bolus" that distinguishes the nature of the order and ensures proper execution. Additionally, indicating the duration of administration is often unnecessary for a bolus since it's typically understood that such infusions are completed quickly within a short time frame. Thus, the requirement to clarify the type of infusion as a bolus is paramount, making that choice the most critical component of the order.