A telephone order is given for a client in your ward. What is your most appropriate action?

• A. Copy the order on the chart and sign the physician's name as close to his original signature as possible
• B. Repeat the order back to the physician, copy onto the order sheet and indicate that it is a telephone order
• C. Write the order in the client's chart and have the head nurse co-sign it
• D. Tell the physician that you can not take the order but you will call the nurse supervisor

Answer: (B)

When a telephone order comes in, the key is to verify it precisely and document it properly so there’s a clear, verifiable record. Repeating the order back to the physician ensures you captured every detail correctly and minimizes miscommunication. After you’ve confirmed the exact medication, dose, route, and timing, you should write it in the patient’s chart as a telephone order and clearly indicate that it was received by telephone. This creates an official, auditable record and makes it easier for the physician to review and sign later if required.

Other approaches either risk falsifying records or bypass proper professional authorization. Signing the physician’s name as if you were authenticating the order is not appropriate, since only the physician should sign the actual order. Having a head nurse co-sign bypasses the physician’s involvement required for the order. Refusing the order outright and escalating isn’t the standard initial step when the nurse can accurately verify details by restating them back to the physician.