Author Question: The nurse is having difficulty reading the prescribed dosage on a handwritten order for a pain ... (Read 14 times)

kodithompson · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is having difficulty reading the prescribed dosage on a handwritten order for a pain medication. The most appropriate action to ensure the client's safety and to minimize legal issues is for the nurse to:

1. Ask another RN to confirm the order
2. Request the pharmacist to interpret the order
3. Call the health care provider to clarify the order
4. Consult a current drug book to determine the normal dosage range

Question 2

An experienced pediatric nurse is reassigned to an adult oncology floor because of staffing issues and immediately recognizes a lack of experience in this specialty. Which of the following nursing actions shows a lack of professionalism?

1. Politely declining the assignment
2. Filling out a report noting her dissatisfaction
3. Asking to work with another oncology nurse
4. Notifying the state board of nursing of the problem

mcinincha279 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
A nurse carrying out an inaccurate or inappropriate order may be legally responsible for any harm suffered by the client. The nurse should clarify the order with the prescriber if unable to read the order. Although asking others to interpret the order may appear prudent, it is ultimately the nurse's responsibility if a medication error is made. Although the drug book may provide a nor-mal range it does not aid in determining definitively what the order intended.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 1
A nurse who refuses to accept an assignment may be considered insubordinate, and clients will not benefit from having less staff available. This is an unprofessional attempt to resolve the prob-lem. Asking to work with another oncology nurse, sending a written protest, and notifying the state nursing board would be appropriates action, and so are not examples of unprofessional be-havior.