Final answer:
The nurse should call the health care provider to clarify the dosage of the pain medication on the handwritten order, as correct dosing is crucial and the prescriber is the primary source for accurate information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a situation where a nurse is having difficulty reading a handwritten prescription for pain medication. To ensure the patient's safety and to minimize legal issues, the most appropriate action would be C. Call the health care provider to clarify the order. It is crucial for medical and pharmaceutical personnel to ascertain the correct dosage as an incorrect dose can lead to harmful or even fatal outcomes. In instances where there is uncertainty or difficulty interpreting a prescribed dosage, direct clarification from the prescriber is essential to avoid errors. Consulting a current drug book or asking another RN can provide additional information, but the prescriber remains the primary source for clarification.
Medical and pharmaceutical personnel deal with dosages that require accurate concentration measurements and dilutions, underscoring the importance of clarity in medication orders. The dose must be reasonable and consistent with standard therapeutic exposures. Therefore, ensuring clear communication and proper understanding of prescribed dosages is of paramount importance in healthcare.