Question

A nurse contacts a client's provider on the telephone to obtain a prescription for pain medication. Which of thee following actions should the nurse take?

a. Document the prescription request in the patient's chart
b. Ask the provider for a higher dosage of the pain medication
c. Provide the client with a different pain medication
d. Dispense the pain medication without a prescription

Answer 1

When obtaining a prescription for pain medication, the nurse should document the request, ask for a higher dosage if necessary, and not provide a different medication without consulting the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

When contacting a client's provider on the telephone to obtain a prescription for pain medication, the nurse should take the following actions:

1. Document the prescription request in the patient's chart to ensure accurate record-keeping and accountability.
2. Ask the provider for a higher dosage of the pain medication only if it is deemed necessary based on the patient's condition and pain management needs.
3. Not provide the client with a different pain medication without consulting the provider, as this decision should be made by a licensed healthcare professional.