What must be specified in the medication order regarding administration frequency?

The correct answer is that the order must specify the intervals between doses. This is crucial in medication administration to ensure the medication is taken at the correct times for optimal effectiveness and to maintain therapeutic levels in the body. Proper timing can also help prevent potential negative effects that may result from improper dosing schedules.

The exact cost of the medication, while relevant for billing and insurance purposes, does not pertain to the clinical or safety aspects of the medication order. Knowing the prescribing physician's name is important for accountability and communication, but it does not influence how or when the medication should be administered. Expected side effects are important for patient education and monitoring but are not required details in the medication order itself. Therefore, the intervals between doses are the critical factor in medication orders to ensure safe and effective treatment.