D/C stands for which action in clinical orders?

• A. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
• B. Discontinue
• C. Chest pain
• D. Carbon monoxide

Answer: (B)

D/C is shorthand for discontinue. In clinical orders, it signals that a medication or ongoing therapy should be stopped because it is no longer indicated, not tolerated well, or no longer needed. For example, if a patient has completed a course or a drug is causing adverse effects, the order would be to discontinue that therapy. The other terms describe something different: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a device/therapy used for breathing support, chest pain is a symptom, and carbon monoxide is a substance; none of these convey stopping an intervention, so they aren’t what D/C stands for. Keep in mind that some places avoid D/C to reduce confusion with discharge, but when used in orders, it consistently means discontinue.