Question

a nurse contacts a clients provider on the telephone to obtain a prescription for pain medication. which of the following actions should the nurse take?

write the order on a prescription pad designated for the clients provider.
have the provider spell out the unfamiliar medication names.
read the prescription back to the provider using abbreviations.
consult with a second nurse for any questions regarding dosage.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

The scenario describes a nurse obtaining a telephone prescription from a healthcare provider. Telephone orders carry a high risk of communication errors, requiring specific safety protocols to ensure patient safety.

Evaluate the first option

Using the Patient Safety Education knowledge point

• Writing an order on a provider's personal prescription pad is inappropriate and violates documentation standards; telephone orders must be entered directly into the client's medical record according to facility policy.

Evaluate the second option

Using the Patient Safety Education knowledge point

• Spelling out unfamiliar medication names is a critical safety practice during telephone orders to prevent sound-alike medication errors and ensure accurate transcription.

Evaluate the third option

Using the Patient Safety Education knowledge point

• Reading back a prescription using abbreviations increases the risk of misinterpretation; the nurse should read back the complete order using full terms and spell out numbers or names as needed.

Evaluate the fourth option

Using the Patient Safety Education knowledge point

• Clarifications regarding dosage or prescription details must be addressed directly with the prescribing provider during the call, not with a second nurse after the call has ended.

Answer:

• (A) Write the order on a prescription pad designated for the client's provider.
• (B) Have the provider spell out the unfamiliar medication names. (Correct answer)
• (C) Read the prescription back to the provider using abbreviations.
• (D) Consult with a second nurse for any questions regarding dosage.