Medication and treatment of patients; response to orders; adjustment of dosage or frequency of medication.

1. A registered nurse shall perform or supervise: (a) The verification of an order given for the care of a patient to ensure that it is appropriate and properly authorized and that there are no documented contraindications in carrying out the order; (b) Any act necessary to understand the purpose and effect of medications and treatments and to ensure the competence of the person to whom the administration of medications is delegated; and (c) The initiation of intravenous therapy and the administration of intravenous medication. 2. A registered nurse shall take orders only from a licensed physician, physician assistant, dentist, podiatric physician or advanced practice registered nurse. A registered nurse may refuse an order if he or she takes appropriate action to ensure the safety of a patient. 3. If a prescription specifies a range of the dosage or frequency for the administration of a medication, a registered nurse may adjust the dosage or frequency of the medication within that range when he or she administers the medication to a patient.