A nurse who suspects discharge orders could injure the patient has the right to do what?

• A. Follow orders without question.
• B. Question the physician's decision.
• C. Withhold care from the patient.
• D. Report to hospital administration only.

Answer: (B)

When patient safety is at stake, nurses must speak up and verify questionable orders. If discharge plans could harm a patient, the nurse has a professional duty to question the physician’s decision, seek clarification, and ensure the plan is safe and understood by the patient. This involves checking that the patient understands the discharge instructions, medications, follow-up appointments, and what symptoms would require prompt contact. If the concern isn’t resolved, escalation to the physician, a nurse manager, or risk/safety leadership is appropriate, with thorough documentation of the concerns and actions taken. Blindly following orders or withholding care without proper justification aren’t acceptable; nor is reporting only to administration without addressing the clinical issue. Questioning the physician’s decision is the correct course because it actively protects the patient and upholds professional responsibility.