Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What should a nurse prioritize when faced with unclear orders from a physician?

1. Following the order as written

2. Seeking clarification to ensure patient safety

3. Deciding based on past experiences

4. Documenting the order as unclear without action

The correct answer is: Seeking clarification to ensure patient safety

When faced with unclear orders from a physician, a nurse should prioritize seeking clarification to ensure patient safety. This approach is fundamental in nursing practice as it aligns with the responsibility to advocate for the patient's well-being. Clear communication is essential in healthcare, where ambiguity can lead to errors that potentially harm a patient. By seeking clarification, the nurse actively engages in a collaborative practice model, ensuring that all team members, including the physician, understand the patient’s needs and treatment plans. Prioritizing clarification not only facilitates accurate implementation of the order but also demonstrates professionalism and accountability. Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility to question and verify orders to protect patients from mistakes due to miscommunication. In contrast, following the order as written without understanding introduces risks, and relying solely on past experiences does not account for the individual patient's condition or current clinical scenario. Documenting the order as unclear without taking further action could lead to inaction on important care decisions, which could compromise patient outcomes. Therefore, actively seeking clarification is the most responsible and safety-focused choice in this scenario.