A professional nurse is caring for a client who develops a deadly heart rhythm

QUESTION

A professional nurse is caring for a client who develops a deadly heart rhythm. The RN calls the pharmacy and asks for a medication drip to be prepared. The pharmacist tells the RN he is unable to comply without a written physician order. The RN writes an order for an intravenous drip of the medication without contacting the physician to obtain an order. How would this action be interpreted according to the Texas NPA? Question 17 options: The nurse exceeded the RN scope of practice as defined by the Texas NPA The nurse can contact any physician to sign the order within 7 days The nurse acted in the best interest of the client so there is no problem The nurse performed within the RN scope of practice as defined by the Texas NPA

ANSWER

The action taken by the registered nurse (RN) in this scenario, where they independently wrote an order for an intravenous drip of medication without contacting the physician to obtain an order, would be interpreted as exceeding the RN scope of practice as defined by the Texas Nurse Practice Act (NPA).

In most healthcare settings, including Texas, RNs are not authorized to prescribe or order medications without the express authorization and order of a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse (APRN) who has prescriptive authority. While RNs play a crucial role in administering medications as part of their nursing practice, they must do so under the orders of a licensed prescriber.

In this situation, the RN should have followed the established protocols, which typically involve promptly contacting the physician or APRN to request the necessary medication order. Acting without a proper order, even in the best interest of the client, could potentially lead to legal and professional consequences for the nurse and may not align with the legal and ethical standards governing nursing practice in Texas.