A Physician Complains to Administration That the Nurse Working Last

A physician complains to administration that the nurse working last evening is unethical, based on observing the nurse educate the patient about a new medication ordered. The physician demanded the nurse be reprimanded and reminded that only physicians have the educational background to teach patients about new medications. Which comment and action by the administrator would be most effective in changing nurse-physician relationships in this instance?

A) Inform the nurse, "You will be suspended for 3 days for going beyond your job description," and enforce the 3-day suspension because the physician did not write the order to "teach the patient about the new medication"
B) Advise the physician that only nurses can teach patients about medications; the physician's role is to only prescribe. No action will be taken against the nurse.
C) After investigating the situation, thank the physician while also providing information that patient education related to medication is within the scope of practice of registered nurses. Share the physician's concern and administrator's response with the nurse so both parties are aware of the resolution of the concerns.
D) Contact the patient's family and ask, "Do you prefer that all teaching related to medications be performed by the physician rather than the nurse" to determine what action to take.