How should verbal or telephone medication orders be handled to ensure accuracy?

• A. Wait for the nurse to interpret the order
• B. Record the order in the MAR without verification
• C. Accept the order as spoken, no confirmation needed
• D. Write down the order, read back the exact wording to the prescriber, and obtain verification before administration

Answer: (D)

Verbal or telephone medication orders are prone to miscommunication, so accuracy relies on writing down the exact order and confirming it before giving the medication. The correct approach is to record the order exactly as it’s spoken, then read back the exact wording to the prescriber to confirm every detail—drug name, dose, route, frequency, and any special instructions. Only after the prescriber verifies the order should you proceed to administer, and you should document the verified order in the medication administration record. If anything is unclear or cannot be confirmed, you should hold the medication and follow facility policy to obtain clarification before administration. This read-back and verification step helps catch errors, ensures patient safety, and provides a clear, auditable record of who verified the order.