During an evening shift, a unit clerk with medication aide duties reports a physician on the line prescribing a PRN oral laxative for a constipated patient. What instruction should the nurse give?

During an evening shift, a unit clerk with medication aide duties reports a physician on the line prescribing a PRN oral laxative for a constipated patient. What instruction should the nurse give?

• A. Be sure to write down what is prescribed and then repeat it back to the healthcare provider.
• B. Remain with this client and monitor the vital signs while the nurse takes the call.
• C. Ask the healthcare provider to remain on “hold” until the nurse can confirm the prescription.
• D. Tell the healthcare provider the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible.

Answer: (D)

Acknowledging and promptly following up on a physician’s medication order is essential for safe practice. Because a unit clerk with medication aide duties is not the person responsible for verifying or transcribing orders, the nurse should let the physician know that a callback will be made as soon as possible. This shows respect for the physician’s time while ensuring the nurse has the opportunity to review the patient’s chart, check for allergies and current medications, assess the patient’s constipation status, and confirm the exact dose, route, and reason before any PRN laxative is given. It also helps prevent miscommunication and delays in care.

Acknowledging and promptly following up on a physician’s medication order is essential for safe practice. Because a unit clerk with medication aide duties is not the person responsible for verifying or transcribing orders, the nurse should let the physician know that a callback will be made as soon as possible. This shows respect for the physician’s time while ensuring the nurse has the opportunity to review the patient’s chart, check for allergies and current medications, assess the patient’s constipation status, and confirm the exact dose, route, and reason before any PRN laxative is given. It also helps prevent miscommunication and delays in care.