A nurse receives an unclear telephone order from a prescriber for a patient with severe breathing difficulty. Which communication action is safest?

Correct answer: C. Clarify the order and read it back for confirmation

  • A. Accept the order and rely on memory
  • B. Ask another nurse to interpret the order
  • C. Clarify the order and read it back for confirmation
  • D. Wait until the next shift to document the order

Explanation

The nurse should clarify any unclear order and use read-back to confirm the drug, dose, route, and timing according to policy. This closed-loop communication reduces errors, especially when the patient's breathing problem makes prompt treatment important.

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