What is the formal term for any order that a physician may write upon a patient's admission to the hospital?

The formal term for any order that a physician may write upon a patient's admission to the hospital is "admission order." This term encompasses a range of instructions that guide the medical care for the patient during their hospital stay. Admission orders typically include essential information such as the patient's diagnosis, treatment plans, medications, and any additional special instructions that are necessary for the patient's immediate care. Using the established terminology of "admission order" ensures clear communication among healthcare providers and facilitates proper patient management from the moment they enter the hospital.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the formal processes involved upon a patient's admission. For example, an "admission prescription" is not a widely recognized term specific to hospital admissions; similarly, a "pre-surgery order" is focused on preparations made before a surgical procedure, which is only one aspect of overall patient management. An "inpatient directive" does not detail the comprehensive care outlined in admission orders and is less commonly used to describe these initial instructions. Thus, "admission order" is the most appropriate and commonly accepted term used in clinical settings.