Which of the following describes the action to take when a resident's family's action results in an incomplete medication order?

The appropriate action in the scenario where a resident's family's actions lead to an incomplete medication order is to notify the physician about the delay. This choice is correct because the physician is ultimately responsible for the resident's care and medication orders. Once informed, the physician can make decisions about how to proceed with the resident's treatment, which may involve renewing or clarifying the medication order. This action ensures that there’s a clear and proper channel of communication regarding the resident’s needs and promotes patient safety by preventing medication errors or potential interruptions in necessary care.

In this context, simply waiting for the family to bring the prescription does not address the immediate need for medication and may lead to unnecessary delays in treatment. Calling the pharmacy to reorder is not appropriate because the prescription has not been officially authorized by the physician in its current state. Administering the medications without a valid order is risky and unethical, as it can expose the resident to incorrect dosages or inappropriate medications, violating safety protocols and regulations.