Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What should a nurse do upon receiving a telephone order from a physician?

1. Inform the physician that telephone orders are not permitted

2. Write the order in the patient's medical record immediately

3. Write down the order and then read back the complete order to the physician

4. Immediately carry out the order

The correct answer is: Write down the order and then read back the complete order to the physician

When receiving a telephone order from a physician, it is essential for the nurse to write down the order accurately and then read back the complete order to the physician. This practice ensures that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications regarding the order, which can have significant implications for patient safety and care. By repeating the order, the nurse provides an additional layer of verification that helps confirm the accuracy of what was intended by the physician. This protocol is part of the broader strategy to minimize errors in medication administration and other clinical instructions. Keeping a record of the order in the patient's medical record afterward is also important, but confirming it through read-back happens prior to that step to ensure clarity and correctness. This method not only fosters effective communication between the healthcare providers but also aligns with established safety protocols in nursing practice.