creation date: 2026-08-14 21:51
tags: Reference


Admission Orders

Background

Admission orders are used when admitting a patient for inpatient care.

A common mnemonic is used for the components of the admission order is: ADC VANDISMAL.

Components

Admission

Where will the admission be to

  • ICU
  • Inpatient floor

Diagnosis

Admitting diagnosis

  • COPD exacerbation

Condition & Code

The condition of the patient and the goals of care

  • Stable vs. unstable
  • Full code vs. no CPR vs. DNR

Vitals

Current vitals, monitoring frequencies, and parameters for notifying the provider.

  • HR, BP, RR, SpO2

Activity

Activity level allowed for patient

  • Bed rest vs. assistance required vs. ambulatory
  • Fall risk

Nursing

Nursing instructions for daily tasks

  • Weight measurements
  • Wound care
  • Urine output

If a patient is VTE low-risk or high risk of bleed, intermittent pneumatic compression may be indicated for VTE prophylaxis.

Diet

Diet during admission

  • Low sodium
  • Fluid restrictions
  • Aspiration risk

Infusions

Infusions of blood/fluid

  • Fluid type, rate, time

Specialists

Consults ordered or in progress

Medications

Patient medications

  • Treatment
  • Home medications

VTE prophylaxis is also ordered for most admissions. Options are as follows in order of preference:

  1. LMWH (enoxaparin) 40 mg (20 mg if eGFR <30)
  2. UFH if AKI, renal failure, or if rapid reversal may be needed (eg. pregnancy or imminent surgery)
  3. Fondaparinux if HIT
  4. Rivaroxaban if hip/knee surgery or post-stroke

If the patient is already on a DOAC, additional VTE is not necessary.

Allergy

Medication and food allergies, and reaction to allergen

Labs

Admission orders and any continuous testing required

References

Tools / Guidelines

Additional Reading