A client is prescribed a new medication. The pharmacy notifies the nur

A client is prescribed a new medication. The pharmacy notifies the nurse that the dosage is outside of route prescribing limits. The nurse is unable to reach the prescribing physician about the order. What should the nurse do?

1. Give the medication to the client as prescribed.
2. Withhold the medication.
3. Give one-half of the medication dose prescribed.
4. Administer the medication through the oral route.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The nurse should not give the medication as prescribed, as the pharmacy has identified that the dose prescribed is outside of dosing limits.
Rationale 2: If the primary care provider cannot be reached, document all attempts to contact the primary care provider and the reason for withholding the medication.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not give the client one-half of the medication dose prescribed, as this is outside of the nurse’s licensure.
Rationale 4: The nurse should not administer the medication through the oral route, as this might not be the best route for the medication and changing the route is outside of the nurse’s licensure.