Final answer:
For a patient need that requires a doctor's order, the nurse and medical team engage in a systematic protocol involving checks and verbal confirmations to ensure all aspects of patient safety and care are addressed. These protocols resemble checklists, empowering nurses and establishing clear communication within the team.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient need arises that requires a doctor's order, the process involves a series of checks and communications within the medical team, adhering to protocols to ensure patient safety. The steps typically include a review by the nurse who confirms aloud items such as the patient's identity, the surgical site and procedure, and the consent. Also, prior to induction of anesthesia, critical information is orally confirmed by members of the team, including the nurse and anesthesia professional. A 'time out' is taken before the skin incision to confirm that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered, all essential imaging results are displayed, and the sterility of the equipment. Nurses observe and are empowered to speak up if a step is missed, similar to a checklist used by ICU doctors and nurses.
The relationship between doctors and nurses is collaborative, yet it is generally understood that doctors have more authoritative roles in medical decision-making. However, the introduction of checklists for patient safety can bridge communication gaps between doctors and nurses, making the problem both simple and complex to address.