Question

The nurse receives a medication order with no route specified. What is the best action by the nurse? a. Give the medication orally because that is the most common route. b. Ask the client how he usually takes the medication. c. Call the physician to clarify the order. d. Ask another nurse which route to use.

Short answer

The best action by the nurse is to call the physician to clarify the medication order.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Importance of Complete Medication Orders

Recognize that medication orders must include specific details such as dosage, route, time, and frequency for safe administration. Without a specified route, the order is incomplete, and the nurse cannot ensure proper care.

Professional Responsibility

Identify that it is the responsibility of the nurse to adhere to the principles of medication safety. If there is any ambiguity or omission in the order, the nurse must take steps to clarify the order before administering the medication.

Take Appropriate Action to Clarify the Order

Choose the action that directly involves clarifying the order with the prescribing physician rather than assuming, consulting with the patient, or another nurse. The most accurate and safe approach is to call the physician to clarify the order.

Key concepts

NCLEX-RN Examination Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN examination involves understanding a wide range of nursing practices, including those surrounding medication administration. To ensure patient safety and adhere to professional standards, the examination often includes scenarios that test a nurse's knowledge of what to do when encountering incomplete medication orders.

A nurse must know that each medication order should clearly state the medication name, dosage, route, timing, and frequency. In the case of an incomplete order, such as missing the route of administration, the safe and correct action is to seek clarification. During preparation for the NCLEX-RN, prospective nurses learn that making assumptions can lead to medication errors. Thus, potential exam questions might involve choosing the best course of action when confronted with an ambiguous medication order. Through careful study of medication administration protocols and prioritization of patient safety, nursing candidates will be better equipped to make decisions that align with best practices and the professional standards expected of a registered nurse.

Medication Administration Safety

The safety of medication administration is paramount in providing effective nursing care. It is crucial to understand that each aspect of a medication order has a specific purpose and contributes to the optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of errors.

Administering a medication via the wrong route can have serious repercussions, including lack of efficacy and potential harm. For example, a medication meant for intravenous use may not be absorbed properly if given orally, and conversely, a medication intended for oral administration might cause harm if administered intravenously.

The principles of medication safety require nurses to verify orders, double-check calculations and preparations, and clarify any uncertainties. By implementing these measures, nurses maintain a safe environment and uphold the integrity of the medication administration process. This not only protects the patient but also helps safeguard the nurse from legal or professional repercussions.

Nursing Professional Responsibility

Within the scope of nursing professional responsibility, adhering to legal and ethical standards while administering medications is a cornerstone. Nurses hold the professional duty to act as patient advocates, which includes ensuring the safe delivery of medication based on complete and clear orders.

When faced with an incomplete medication order, nurses must exercise their judgment within the scope of their professional practice. It is their duty to refrain from making assumptions or taking informal advice from colleagues or patients. Instead, they should engage in effective communication by reaching out to the prescribing physician for clarification. This action mitigates the risk of errors and promotes the well-being of the patient.

Upholding these professional responsibilities involves displaying critical thinking, detailed documentation, and remaining current on policies and procedures related to medication administration. The nurse's vigilance in seeking clarification when an order is incomplete exemplifies commitment to patient safety and dedication to the nursing profession.