During medication reconciliation, a nurse finds a duplication in a client's medication list. What should the nurse do next?

A. Ask the client which medication they prefer to take: Asking the client to choose between duplicated medications places a clinical decision beyond the client’s scope. Medication selection and adjustment require prescriber evaluation of indication, dose, and risk for adverse effects. Client input is valuable but cannot replace provider decision-making. B. Discontinue one of the medications immediately: Stopping a medication without a prescription exceeds the nurse’s scope of practice. Abrupt discontinuation may cause therapeutic failure or adverse effects, depending on the drug class. Medication changes must be authorized by the prescribing provider. C. Continue with the current medications as prescribed: Continuing duplicated medications increases the risk of toxicity, overdose, or compounded adverse effects. Medication reconciliation is intended to identify and resolve discrepancies before harm occurs. Ignoring duplication defeats the purpose of the safety check. D. Notify the healthcare provider for further instructions: Notifying the healthcare provider allows clarification of the intended regimen and prevention of medication-related harm. The provider can discontinue, adjust, or substitute medications as appropriate. This action supports safe medication management and interprofessional communication.