If new medications entered for a client have not been approved by the pharmacy, what should the nurse do first?

When new medications have not received approval from the pharmacy, the first action for the nurse should be to contact the facility pharmacist. This is essential because the pharmacist plays a key role in verifying the appropriateness, safety, and efficacy of medications before they are administered. The pharmacist will check for potential interactions, correct dosages, and adherence to medication protocols. Ensuring that the medications are approved by the pharmacist helps to uphold safety standards and reduce the risk of medication errors.

Taking other actions such as administering the medications without approval can jeopardize patient safety and violate protocol. Waiting for approval or notifying the prescriber may still require guidance from the pharmacist to ensure that any necessary adjustments or considerations are addressed appropriately. Therefore, contacting the facility pharmacist first is a critical step in the medication administration process when issues of approval arise.