Question

A primary nurse receives prescriptions for a newly admitted client and has difficulty reading the health care provider's writing. Who should the nurse ask for clarification of this prescription?

1.Nurse practitioner
2.House health care provider that is on-call
3.Health care provider who wrote the prescription
4.Nurse manager familiar with the health care provider's writing

Answer 1

The primary nurse should seek clarification of a difficult-to-read prescription from the health care provider who wrote the prescription to ensure accurate and safe patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a primary nurse encounters difficulty in reading a health care provider's prescription, the appropriate course of action would be to seek clarification from the health care provider who wrote the prescription. Only the original author can provide definitive clarification on what was intended, thus ensuring accurate and safe patient care. This is important to maintain effective communication between the healthcare team and to avoid potential errors in medication administration.

It is also reflective of the working relationship in a medical setting, where a nurse might not have the authority to interpret ambiguous orders without confirmation. In the scenario outlined in the clinical focus, should such a situation arise after Barbara's prescription was given, the primary nurse should promptly contact the PA who wrote the prescription for amoxicillin.