If a nurse discovers that lispro insulin is out of stock, what should be their next action?

Notifying the pharmacy of the missing medication is the appropriate action to take when lispro insulin is out of stock. This step ensures that the pharmacy can address the shortage, either by restocking the medication or providing an alternative that meets the patient's needs.

In a clinical setting, it’s crucial to ensure that all prescribed medications are available for patient care. By alerting the pharmacy, the nurse helps facilitate timely access to necessary treatments, which is vital for managing the patient’s glucose levels effectively.

While administering another type of insulin may seem like an immediate solution, it requires a careful assessment of compatibility and patient safety, as different insulins have varied onset and duration of action. Waiting until the next shift does not address the immediate need for the medication and could jeopardize patient care. Documenting in the patient's chart is important, but it should follow proactive measures to ensure the patient receives their required medications. Thus, notifying the pharmacy is the most responsible and patient-centered action in this scenario.