The nurse has received a verbal STAT order for a critical care patient from the health-care provider at 11:30 a.m. and is preparing to administer the medication. Which is the priority nursing action?

A. Contact the pharmacist to verify the order: While verifying orders is important, for a STAT order, the priority is to administer the medication immediately. Verification can be done simultaneously or afterward if needed. B. Wait until the information is updated in the patient's medication profile: Waiting to update the profile could delay crucial treatment. For a STAT order, immediate administration takes precedence. C. Schedule the medication to be given at noon: Scheduling is not appropriate for a STAT order, which requires immediate administration due to its urgency. D. Administer the medication now: This is the correct answer. STAT orders are meant to be administered as quickly as possible to address critical conditions.