How do you receive telephone orders?

Receiving telephone orders in a healthcare setting involves specific protocols to ensure patient safety and accuracy in medication administration. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of posting and verifying the order upon receipt. This means that when a telephone order is received, it should be written down accurately and entered into the medication administration record or system immediately.

Verification is crucial because it confirms that the medication order is understood correctly, reducing the risk of errors. After receiving a verbal order, the healthcare professional should repeat the order back to the prescriber to ensure accuracy and ask any necessary clarifying questions.

This method not only provides a record of the medication order but also reinforces the healthcare professional's responsibility to confirm that they have the correct information before proceeding. Immediate administration without verification can lead to significant risks, including medication errors. Documenting the order for future reference alone, without immediate posting or verification, does not meet the safety standards required in medication administration. Additionally, relying on another staff member to handle the order can introduce the possibility of miscommunication and further errors.