Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

According to the Texas Nursing Practice Act, what action should a nurse take if he or she doubts the safety of a physician's order?

1. Administer the medication and then report doubts to a supervisor

2. Follow the order without question to avoid potential conflict

3. Refuse to execute the order and document the reason

4. Seek clarification from the physician and notify the chain of command if concerns are not resolved

The correct answer is: Administer the medication and then report doubts to a supervisor

The correct action for a nurse who doubts the safety of a physician's order is to seek clarification from the physician and notify the chain of command if concerns are not resolved. This approach is consistent with the ethical and legal responsibilities outlined in the Texas Nursing Practice Act. The Act emphasizes the importance of ensuring patient safety and encourages nurses to advocate for the well-being of their patients. By seeking clarification, the nurse engages in effective communication with the physician, ensuring that any misunderstandings or misinterpretations can be addressed before any potential harm occurs to the patient. Moreover, if the concerns are still not resolved after this communication, informing the chain of command upholds the nurse's duty to safeguard patient care by escalating the issue appropriately. Administering the medication first and then reporting doubts compromises patient safety and does not align with professional standards. Following the order without question can lead to adverse outcomes and does not reflect the critical thinking and decision-making responsibilities of a nurse. Refusing to execute the order without attempting to clarify the situation may be seen as abandoning the patient’s care and could lead to negative implications for both the patient and the nurse's professional standing.