Which of the following must be included in a chart order in a hospital?

In a hospital setting, a chart order is a formal prescription or order for medication that must contain specific information to ensure the medication is administered safely and correctly. The inclusion of the drug name, strength, and the signature of the prescriber is essential for several reasons.

First, the drug name and strength indicate exactly what medication is to be given to the patient and in what dosage. This precision is critical to prevent medication errors, ensuring that the correct drug is provided at the correct dose.

Second, the prescriber's signature confirms that the order is valid and authorized by a qualified healthcare professional. This is essential for legal and safety reasons, as it conveys that the prescriber has assessed the patient's condition and determined that the specified medication is appropriate.

In contrast, while patient insurance information, date of birth, and contact number may be important for administrative purposes or identification, they are not necessary components of the medication order itself. The primary focus of a chart order is the treatment aspects, specifically the medications involved, rather than ancillary patient demographic details. Therefore, including drug name, strength, and signature is the most critical information when it comes to ensuring safe and effective medication administration in a hospital environment.