Which action is NOT appropriate for the nurse to take if a telephone prescription is received?

When a nurse receives a telephone prescription, it is critical to ensure accuracy and clarity to maintain patient safety and proper medication administration. Recording the order correctly is essential, as is confirming the details with the prescribing provider.

The action described where the nurse asks the unit clerk to record the prescription is not appropriate because it assumes that someone outside of the nursing role will accurately interpret and document a medication order, which could lead to potential errors. The responsibility for transcription and verification of medication orders lies with the nurse who received the prescription, as they are directly involved in patient care and must ensure that the order is communicated accurately and understood fully.

By reading back the prescription to the provider and confirming understanding, the nurse directly contributes to a culture of safety and reduces the likelihood of miscommunication. These practices are standard nursing protocols to ensure that all prescribed medications are delivered without ambiguity.