A provider gives you a written order to give a medication STAT. Upon review you note the dose has been omitted. What would be your NEXT appropriate action?

When a medication order is received that is missing critical information, such as the dose, the next appropriate action is to contact the provider for clarification. This ensures patient safety and adherence to best practices for medication administration. Administering any medication without a complete order could lead to negative patient outcomes, including underdosing or overdosing, both of which pose significant health risks.

Clarifying the order with the provider not only protects the patient but also complies with legal and ethical standards in nursing practice. It demonstrates a commitment to safety and accurate medication administration, ensuring that the nurse is acting on valid and comprehensive information.

Other options, such as administering half the missing dose or guessing the common dose, could endanger the patient’s well-being. Documenting the missing dose without further action would ignore the responsibility to verify medication orders accurately and could lead to legal and professional repercussions. Therefore, seeking clarification from the provider is the most appropriate and responsible course of action.