During a telephone order from a doctor, what is the nurse's first step?

The first step a nurse should take during a telephone order from a doctor is to clarify the patient and physician identities. This step is crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of the order. Confirming the identities helps prevent errors that could arise from miscommunication, such as receiving instructions intended for a different patient or from a different physician.

By ensuring both the patient's and physician's identities are correctly established, the nurse can provide the necessary context for the order, reducing the likelihood of potential medication errors or adverse events. This practice aligns with safety protocols and the importance of communication within healthcare teams, which are fundamental principles of TeamSTEPPS.