Which statement best reflects carrying out a physician's orders to avoid negligence?

• A. Nurses must critically think, question orders, and understand the cause-and-effect of a treatment.
• B. Nurses should follow every order without question.
• C. If the client's condition has changed, ignore the order until clarified.
• D. Orders that are illegible should be followed anyway to avoid delays.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that patient safety and avoiding negligence come from using professional judgment and critical thinking when carrying out orders. Nurses should assess whether an order fits the patient’s current condition, understand what the treatment is supposed to do, and anticipate possible effects. If anything seems off—such as a changed condition, potential interactions, or unclear dosages—the nurse should question the order, seek clarification from the prescriber, and verify before acting. This attentive approach helps prevent harm by ensuring actions are appropriate and understood, and it includes recognizing that illegible orders must be clarified rather than followed blindly. Following every order without question or ignoring changes until clarification increases the risk of errors and harm, which is why thoughtful review and verification are essential.