Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

The choice to contact a physician to clarify a medication order embodies a strong commitment to patient safety and encapsulates the nurse's ethical responsibility to ensure that care is appropriate, effective, and in the best interests of the patient. In nursing, it is crucial to advocate for the patient's well-being, which means confirming that orders are clear and safe before implementation. This action prevents potential medication errors, fosters effective communication within the healthcare team, and highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance in patient care.

While following physician orders is essential, it becomes a concern if it leads to blindly accepting directives without understanding or questioning them, especially if there's ambiguity or potential for harm. Hence, seeking clarification is an act of safeguarding patient safety. It is also important to note that delegating patient assessments or nominating oneself for a higher professional rank does not directly address the immediate needs or safety of patients.