What is a possible consequence of administering medication without following the prescribed standing orders?

Administering medication without adhering to prescribed standing orders can lead to a heightened risk of adverse effects and potential legal implications. Standing orders are developed based on extensive clinical guidelines and protocols aimed at ensuring safe and effective medication administration. When these orders are not followed, the risk of medication errors increases significantly, which can result in unintended side effects or complications in patients.

Additionally, deviating from established protocols can lead to questions about the healthcare provider's decision-making and practice, which may have legal ramifications if a patient experiences harm as a result. In essence, following standing orders is critical to ensuring not only patient safety but also professional accountability and effective legal protection for healthcare providers.