NCLEX-RNManagement of CareMedium
A physician calls the unit and gives a verbal order for a new IV antibiotic dose. Which action by the nurse best ensures client safety?
- AWrite the order exactly as stated and administer the medication
- BWait until the physician's next visit to confirm the order in person
- CRepeat the order back to the physician for confirmation before hanging up
- DAsk another nurse to co-sign the order for verification
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Repeat the order back to the physician for confirmation before hanging up
The read-back verification process (repeating the order back to the prescriber for confirmation) is a Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal designed to prevent errors in verbal/telephone orders before they are transcribed and administered.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Writing the order without verification risks transcription errors going unnoticed.
- B. Waiting delays needed treatment and does not address immediate verification.
- D. A second nurse co-signing does not replace verifying accuracy with the prescriber.
Verbal/Telephone Order Read-Back
When receiving a verbal or telephone order, the nurse must read the order back to the prescriber to confirm accuracy before transcribing or administering it, per National Patient Safety Goals.
- Read-back is required for verbal and telephone orders
- Reduces risk of transcription/miscommunication errors
- Order must later be authenticated (signed) by the prescriber per policy
Memory trick: Hear it, repeat it, confirm it — before you give it.