During a period of time when the computerized medication order system was down, the prescriber wrote admission orders, and the nurse is transcribing them. The nurse is having difficulty transcribing one order because of the prescriber's handwriting. Which is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?

Choice A reason: Waiting delays care; illegible orders risk errors, and timely clarification ensures the patient receives accurate treatment without unnecessary postponement. Choice B reason: Direct prescriber contact resolves ambiguity; it ensures the order’s intent, aligning with safety protocols to prevent misinterpretation or harm. Choice C reason: Colleagues may guess incorrectly; peer opinion lacks authority, risking errors in dosage or drug, compromising patient safety over prescriber intent. Choice D reason: Patient recall is unreliable; home meds may differ from admission orders, and this doesn’t clarify the prescriber’s handwritten instruction accurately.