Final answer:
When encountering a prescription exceeding recommended doses, a nurse should verify the prescription, consult the provider for rationale, document the discussion, and follow the hospital's policy for medication safety, potentially escalating the issue if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a healthcare provider prescribes a medication that exceeds the maximum dose recommended by the manufacturer, the nurse handling the situation has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. It is important to address such instances with professionalism and cautious consideration. The nurse should verify the prescription with the prescribing healthcare provider, discussing the potential risks and benefits of the higher dosage. If the prescription is intentional, the provider should explain the rationale for exceeding the standard dosage, and this should be documented thoroughly in the patient's medical record. In cases where the healthcare provider does not acknowledge the error or insist on the higher dose without clear justification, the nurse should refer to the hospital's policies on medication administration and report the incident to a higher authority within the healthcare institution for further review. It is crucial that all medication administration follows safety protocols to prevent prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high and to guard against the risks associated with overdoses of illegal drugs.