North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

Must a verbal order be signed by the prescriber?

1. Yes, it's mandatory

2. No, it's not necessary

3. Only if a delay occurs

4. Only for controlled substances

The correct answer is: Yes, it's mandatory

In the context of medication administration and management, a verbal order must be signed by the prescriber to ensure that there is a documented and legal confirmation of the order given. This requirement is in place to protect patients and healthcare providers by ensuring clarity and accountability in medical directives. The signature serves as a verification that the prescriber has indeed authorized the medication or treatment, reducing the risks of miscommunication or errors that could occur with verbal instructions alone. This practice is especially important in nursing and medication administration settings, where various medications may have different dosages, frequency, and administration routes. By requiring a signature, it not only validates the verbal order but also provides a point of reference for future review and ensures regulatory compliance. Other options may suggest flexibility in the requirement for signatures, but they do not reflect the best practice for patient safety and legal accountability within medical settings.