Under what circumstance can a nursing assistant administer medication?

A nursing assistant can administer medication only when a nurse provides direct verbal instructions. This is rooted in the legal and ethical guidelines governing healthcare, which stipulate that the administration of medication is a delegated task that falls under the purview of licensed nurses or practitioners. This delegation ensures that there is accountability and appropriate oversight for medication administration, which is crucial for patient safety.

The requirement for a nurse’s direct instruction emphasizes the importance of proper assessment and decision-making that only a licensed nurse is qualified to perform. This process includes confirming the correct medication, dosage, and route, which helps to minimize the risk of medication errors.

In contrast, being able to administer medication based on personal judgment or knowledge (as suggested in one of the options) does not comply with healthcare regulations or best practices; such actions could potentially harm patients due to unverified knowledge or inadequate training. Similarly, relying solely on a doctor’s verbal order over the phone lacks the necessary checks and balances typically ensured by the nurse's involvement in medication administration.