Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

What is a potential unintended consequence of having nurses enter prescriber orders?

1. Increased collaboration among healthcare teams

2. Reduced patient wait times for medication

3. Higher chances of medication errors due to workload

4. Improved accuracy in drug administration

The correct answer is: Higher chances of medication errors due to workload

Nurses entering prescriber orders can inadvertently lead to higher chances of medication errors due to the increased workload placed on them. When nurses assume the responsibility of entering orders, they may be required to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, which can lead to oversight or the misinterpretation of the prescriber's intent. This increased task load often diminishes the time available for careful cross-checking of orders, verifying patient conditions, or double-checking against previous treatments. Consequently, the chances of making errors in medication types, dosages, or administration routes may rise, impacting patient safety negatively. In contrast to the correct answer, the other options reflect outcomes that, while positive, are less likely to manifest as direct consequences of nurses entering prescriber orders. For instance, while increased collaboration among healthcare teams, reduced patient wait times, and improved accuracy in drug administration are desirable, they may not fundamentally address the risks associated with increased error rates tied to the added responsibilities placed on nursing staff. Thus, the focus on workload and the potential for medication errors stands out as a relevant concern in this context.