How long does a nurse have to obtain a physician's signature on a telephone order?

In nursing practice, telephone orders from physicians allow for efficient communication in situations where the physician may not be immediately available for in-person consultations. The requirement for obtaining a physician’s signature on a telephone order ensures that all medical directives are properly documented and authorized.

The correct timeframe for obtaining this signature is 48 hours. This means the nurse must secure the physician's signature on the order within two days to comply with regulatory and institutional protocols. This timeframe helps to ensure that there is a prompt confirmation of the physician’s orders, which is crucial for patient safety and care continuity.

Following this guideline also addresses liability concerns and maintains a clear chain of command in patient care. In contrast, longer timeframes typically reflect different contexts or standards, such as those pertaining to written orders or varying institutional policies, which may not apply specifically to the immediate needs associated with telephone orders.