What must nurses avoid regarding verbal orders whenever possible?

Nurses should strive to avoid documentation errors when dealing with verbal orders. Verbal orders can increase the risk of misunderstandings or miscommunication, leading to inaccuracies in patient documentation. When information is conveyed orally, there is a greater chance that it may be misheard or not recorded accurately, which can have serious implications for patient safety and treatment outcomes.

In clinical practice, relying on written documentation is vital because it provides an official record that can be referenced later. This helps to ensure the continuity of care and supports accountability in the healthcare setting. While clear communication is essential to avoid any mix-ups in patient care, the act of documenting verbal orders accurately mitigates potential errors associated with miscommunication. Proper use of electronic health records can also help clarify orders but does not directly address the concern of documentation errors stemming from verbal communication.