A stat order requires medication to be administered:

The term "stat" is derived from the Latin word "statim," which means "immediately." When a healthcare provider issues a stat order for medication, it indicates that the medication needs to be administered as soon as possible, often within minutes, to address a critical situation or urgent needs of the patient. This urgency is typically to ensure the patient's health and safety, making it paramount for the care team to act swiftly to deliver the medication without delay.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that stat orders are focused on immediate action, distinguishing them from other types of medication orders that may allow for more flexibility in timing. For example, other options might indicate scheduled doses or conditional administration, which do not meet the urgent criteria of a stat order.