The nurse believes that a physician's order is contrary to the accepted standard of care and could potentially harm the patient. What should the nurse do?
1. Follow the order anyway since the physician should know what is correct.
2. Ask another nurse to complete implementation of the order in question.
3. Ask a lawyer who would be liable if the patient is harmed.
4. #the physician regarding the order.
4
Rationale: Nurses should be aware of hospital policy and procedures, as well as standards of care. If an order appears to violate either of these types of standards or appears dangerous to the patient, the nurse should question the physician about the order. Following orders without question is dangerous for the patient and legally dangerous for the nurse. There is no need to involve a lawyer at this point in the situation. Asking another nurse to complete the questionable order does not protect patient safety.
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