Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What is a nurse fulfilling when contacting a physician to clarify a medication order?

1. Fulfilling the hospital protocols

2. Fulfilling a legal requirement

3. Fulfilling a duty to keep the patient safe

4. Fulfilling administrative paperwork

The correct answer is: Fulfilling a duty to keep the patient safe

When a nurse contacts a physician to clarify a medication order, they are fulfilling a duty to keep the patient safe. It is essential for nurses to ensure that the medication prescribed is accurate and appropriate for the patient's condition to prevent any potential harm or adverse reactions. This action prioritizes patient safety, which is a fundamental responsibility in nursing practice. Option A is incorrect as the nurse's primary focus is on the patient's well-being rather than strictly following hospital protocols. Option B is incorrect as the main concern of clarifying a medication order is not related to a legal requirement but rather patient safety. Option D is also incorrect because contacting the physician is not primarily for fulfilling administrative paperwork but to ensure the correct medication is administered to the patient.