Questioning a Doctor's Orders
It is your right—and your responsibility— to question any order you think is inappropriate. In looking out for your patients' best interests, never shrug off a dubious order, trusting that “the physician knows best.” Staying quiet could be viewed
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charlita
almost 5 years ago
2976 comments
excellent article
mramsey40
almost 5 years ago
422 comments
Informative article. When I worked in ICU in Tucson, when a doctor wrote orders, it was my job to read and clarify orders concerning PCT's like restraints, etc. There were many times I had to talk to a doctor and remind them that they cannot write PRN orders for restraints. Some would get upset, but most would re-write and clarify what was needed. When in doubt, ask! Don't assume
frankiecash
almost 5 years ago
82 comments
Good article. Just today a physician wrote an order that was questionable. It was for amiodarone. She did not order the bolus dose so, I called the physician and her response was, oh that was the wrong patient. Well, no kidding, this was an obvious error on the physicians part. No other patient in the ICU was on a amiodarone drip so, how could it have been the wrong patient. This physician will have to respond to an incident report and it isn't the first time. This could very well be a dangerous physician and it takes a diligent nurse to catch some of these mistakes. Luckily the mistake was caught in time and no harm was done. Always check your orders carefully, review them with a co-worker, and question the doctor in a way that they see their mistake and take proper action to correct it. They are responsible for writting the correct order. We are responsible to make sure it is correct. DANG! We should be paid as much as they..In a perfect world we would be.