How should a nurse respond to a medication error?

Reporting a medication error immediately is essential for patient safety and quality of care. When a nurse is faced with a medication error, the primary responsibilities include promptly assessing the patient's condition to identify any adverse effects that may have occurred as a result of the error. This assessment helps ensure that the patient receives any necessary interventions in a timely manner.

Documenting the error is also crucial. It contributes to maintaining an accurate medical record, which can be vital for ongoing patient care and for improving healthcare practices. Proper documentation allows for future analysis of the error, which can lead to better training and preventive measures, ultimately enhancing the medication administration process within the healthcare facility.

Failing to report an error or delaying the report can further jeopardize patient safety and violate hospital policies or regulations. Therefore, the action of reporting, assessing, and documenting represents the best practice response to a medication error.