Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct action a nurse should take when doubting the safety of a physician's order is to seek clarification from the physician and escalate the issue to the appropriate authorities within the healthcare setting if concerns remain unresolved. This approach is grounded in the Texas Nursing Practice Act, which emphasizes the nurse's responsibility to advocate for patient safety and to question orders that may pose risks.

By seeking clarification, the nurse engages in a collaborative decision-making process, ensuring that any potential misunderstanding or error can be addressed immediately. If the physician's response does not alleviate the nurse's concerns regarding safety, notifying the chain of command is necessary to escalate the issue, ensuring that the treatment plan is safe and appropriate for the patient.

Following the order without question violates the ethical obligation of the nurse to prioritize patient safety and may have serious consequences if a harmful error occurs. Additionally, administering the medication and then reporting doubts undermines the professional responsibility to act within the scope of practice and may lead to preventable harm. Refusing to execute the order without first seeking clarification does not follow best practices for communication and conflict resolution in healthcare settings and could result in negative patient outcomes.

Therefore, effective communication and advocacy outlined in the Texas Nursing Practice Act guide the nurse to ensure patient safety through proactive measures before taking