The nurse is concerned about the risk involved when implementing healthcare provider prescriptions for a newly admitted client. Which strategies should the nurse consider to reduce this risk?

Question

Select all that apply.
A) Question any order written for a postoperative client.
B) Question any order a client questions.
C) Question any order if the client's condition changes.
D) Question any verbal order.
E) Question any order that is incomplete.

Answer 1

Answer: B, C, E

Nurses can minimize risk by analyzing procedures and medications ordered by the physician. It is the nurse's responsibility to seek clarification of ambiguous or seemingly erroneous orders from the prescribing physician. To protect them legally, nurses should question any order a client questions, any order if the client's condition has changed, and any order that is incomplete. All orders written for postoperative clients do not need to be questioned. Verbal orders should be recorded accurately to avoid miscommunication but they do not all need to be questioned.