Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

Telephone orders recorded by the licensed nurse must be countersigned by the physician within how many hours?

1. 24 hours

2. 36 hours

3. 48 hours

4. 72 hours

The correct answer is: 48 hours

Telephone orders recorded by a licensed nurse need to be countersigned by the physician within 48 hours. This timeframe is established to ensure that the orders provided are verified in a timely manner, enhancing patient safety and care quality. A timely countersignature by the physician verifies the accuracy of the orders and ensures that the treatment plan is consistent with the physician’s intent. In nursing home settings, where residents may have complex health conditions, it is critical that all orders are confirmed promptly. This practice also supports effective communication among the care team members. Although a longer timeframe might permit some flexibility, a 48-hour limit strikes a balance between responsiveness to patient needs and the operational considerations of healthcare facilities. While the other options represent longer times for countersigning, the 48-hour limit aligns with regulatory standards that promote prompt verification of medical orders to prevent any miscommunication or delay in patient care.