Upon receiving an order from medical control to administer a medication, what should you do next?

When receiving an order from medical control to administer a medication, repeating the order back word for word is the essential next step. This practice, known as "read-back," serves a critical purpose in ensuring patient safety. It confirms that you have accurately understood the order as given, reduces the risk of miscommunication, and verifies important details such as the type, dose, and route of administration. This step is crucial in preventing medication errors that could lead to adverse patient outcomes.

Documentation of the order is important, but it comes after confirming the details. Asking for clarification might be necessary if there is any uncertainty; however, repeating the order first ensures that you have a clear understanding before seeking any additional information. Administering the medication immediately without confirming the details can lead to serious consequences if there was a misunderstanding of the order. Thus, repeating the order back not only adheres to best practices in communication but also safeguards the welfare of the patient by ensuring accurate medication administration.