The nurse calls the heath care provider (HCP) regarding a new medication prescription because the dosage prescribed is higher than the recommended dosage. The nurse is unable to locate the HCP, and the medication is due to be administered. Which action should the nurse take?

Contact the nursing supervisor.Administer the dose prescribed.Hold the medication until the HCP can be contacted.Administer the recommended dose until the HCP can be located.

Explanation.

If the HCP writes a prescription that requires clarification, the nurse’s responsibility is to contact the HCP. If there is no resolution regarding the prescription because the HCP cannot be located or because the prescription remains as it was written after talking with the HCP, the nurse should contact the nurse manager or nursing supervisor for further clarification as to what the next step should be. Under no circumstances should the nurse proceed to carry out the prescription until obtaining clarification.