When receiving a telephone prescription, which action by the nurse is most critical to ensure accuracy?

When receiving a telephone prescription, the most critical action for the nurse is to repeat the prescription back to the primary care provider. This practice, known as "read-back," is essential for ensuring accuracy and minimizing the risk of medication errors. By repeating the prescription, the nurse verifies that the information received is correct — including the medication name, dosage, route, and frequency. This direct confirmation helps prevent misunderstandings that can arise from miscommunication over the phone, particularly in high-stress situations where important details may be overlooked.

Engaging in this process also upholds the standards of safe medication administration, ensuring that both the provider and the nurse are on the same page regarding the treatment plan. This method of clarification is standard practice in many healthcare settings and significantly enhances patient safety by confirming the intended prescription before it is implemented.