What should a nurse do upon noticing that the prescriber has doubled the previous dose of medication?

Verifying the dose with the prescriber is essential to ensure patient safety and accuracy in medication administration. When a nurse notices that the prescribed dose has been doubled compared to a previous order, it raises questions about the appropriateness of the new dosage. This situation could indicate a potential error or a significant change in the patient's condition that warrants further clarification.

By contacting the prescriber, the nurse can confirm whether the new dosage is intentional and correctly justified based on the patient’s current clinical status. This step is critical because it helps prevent medication errors that could lead to adverse effects for the patient. Such verification is part of the nursing responsibility to advocate for the patient's well-being and ensure effective communication within the healthcare team.

In contrast, administering the medication as prescribed without verification could lead to harmful consequences if the change was not appropriate. Checking the prescription with another nurse is a valuable practice for confirming information but does not replace the need for clarifying directly with the prescriber regarding the rationale for the dosage increase. Lastly, merely recording that a double dose was prescribed does not address the vital need for confirmation and understanding of the change in order to advocate properly for the patient's safety.