A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following surgical repair of a hip fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to involve the client in decision making?

A) Instruct another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record:
The nurse receiving a telephone prescription is responsible for ensuring the prescription is recorded correctly in the medical record. It is not appropriate to delegate this responsibility to another nurse. The nurse should personally document the prescription to ensure accuracy and clarity.

B) Withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription:
The nurse should not withhold the medication solely based on the provider's signature. Telephone prescriptions are valid once they are received and documented accurately by the nurse. The prescription must be signed by the provider as soon as possible, but withholding medication is not warranted unless there are other concerns with the prescription.

C) Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication:
When receiving a telephone prescription, the nurse should ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication to avoid errors. Medication names, especially those that sound similar, need to be communicated clearly to ensure correct medication administration. This action helps prevent misinterpretation or confusion, ensuring patient safety.

D) Record the date and time of the telephone prescription:
Recording the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for accurate documentation and legal purposes. This step ensures that there is a clear record of when the prescription was given and that the provider’s order is traceable in the client’s medical record. It also assists in meeting legal and institutional documentation requirements.

E) Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription:
The nurse should read back the prescription to the provider to confirm accuracy. This action is part of the "read-back" process, a safety measure used to verify that the prescription has been communicated correctly and understood by both the nurse and the provider. This step helps reduce the risk of medication errors.

B. Ensure two nurses confirm the information on the blood label: Before initiating a blood transfusion, two nurses must verify the client’s identity, blood type, and compatibility with the donor blood. This step is essential to prevent transfusion reactions due to mismatched blood.

C. Obtain a large-bore IV catheter: A large-bore IV catheter (18–20 gauge) is necessary to facilitate the transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). A smaller gauge may cause hemolysis or delay administration.

D. Witness the client signing a consent for transfusion: A blood transfusion is an invasive procedure requiring informed consent. The nurse ensures the client understands the risks, benefits, and potential complications before signing the consent form.

Incorrect Options:

A. Explain to the client that transfusion reactions are not serious: This is incorrect because transfusion reactions can range from mild allergic responses to life-threatening anaphylaxis or hemolytic reactions. The nurse should educate the client on symptoms to report, such as fever, chills, or dyspnea.

E. Ensure the transfusion tubing is flushed with dextrose 5% in water: Blood products should only be administered with 0.9% sodium chloride to prevent hemolysis. Using dextrose solutions can cause red blood cell aggregation and clot formation.