After the HCP phone call, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Document both phone calls and the HCP's prescriptions.
• B. Notify the charge nurse and escalate the issue up the chain of command.
• C. Hold the potassium chloride until clarification.
• D. Call another HCP for a second opinion.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that all communications and orders from a health care professional must be recorded accurately. After a phone interaction, the nurse should document exactly what was discussed and what orders were given—the medication, dose, route, frequency, the time, and the name of the prescriber. This creates a clear, legally sound trail in the patient’s chart and the medication administration record, which is essential for safety and continuity of care. Verifying the order with a read-back when doing a telephone order helps ensure there’s no miscommunication, and writing down that verification strengthens the record. For high-alert meds like potassium chloride, precise documentation is especially important to prevent dosing errors and to align the care team on what needs to be done. If anything about the order seems unclear, escalation or clarification is appropriate, but the core step is to document the communications and prescriptions so everyone has an accurate, up-to-date record.