The nurse carries out a medication order, incorrectly written by the p

The nurse carries out a medication order, incorrectly written by the physician and subsequently filled by the pharmacist. Who, in this situation, is legally liable for the action?

1. Physician
2. Pharmacist
3. Hospital
4. Nurse

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Even though the physician wrote the order incorrectly the primary responsibility in question is the administration of the medication and so responsibility is not the physician’s.
Rationale 2: Even though the pharmacist filled an incorrect order, the primary responsibility in question is the administration of the medication and so responsibility is not the pharmacist’s.
Rationale 3: Assuming policies and procedures were written and accessible the hospital is not legally responsible in this case.
Rationale 4: The responsibility for the nursing activity-in this case, giving the medication-belongs to the nurse. Liability is legal responsibility for one’s action. Even though the physician wrote the order incorrectly and the pharmacist filled it, it was the nurse who carried it out, making that person ultimately responsible for the action.