When taking a verbal or telephone prescription, which action is essential to ensure accuracy?

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Read-back verification is essential when handling verbal or telephone prescriptions. By repeating the exact order back to the prescriber before hanging up, the nurse creates a closed loop that catches any mishearing or miscommunication about drug name, dose, route, frequency, and special instructions. This immediate confirmation lets the prescriber correct errors on the spot, greatly reducing the chance of giving the wrong medication or dose. While documenting and transcribing the prescription are important steps in the overall process, they do not substitute for real-time verification of the order during the call. The key action is the read-back of the prescription to the prescriber before ending the encounter.