In the case of a medication error, what should a nurse do first?

In the event of a medication error, the priority is to ensure the safety of the patient and to follow institutional protocols. Informing the charge nurse about the incident is crucial as it allows for immediate assessment of the situation and potential interventions to mitigate any harm to the patient. The charge nurse has the authority and experience to guide the response to the error, which may include initiating emergency protocols and managing the communication to the rest of the healthcare team.

This response aligns with the standard procedures in healthcare settings where communication within the team is essential for patient safety and for taking appropriate actions to address any adverse effects of the error. Furthermore, notifying the charge nurse facilitates a coordinated response, ensuring that necessary actions, such as notifying other healthcare providers or initiating treatment, are executed promptly.

The other options, while important steps in the overall management of a medication error, follow after the immediate communication with the charge nurse. Notifying the primary care provider and correcting the medication error are crucial steps but should happen after assessing the situation with the charge nurse. Documenting the error is essential for accountability and future risk management but is not the first action taken in the moment of an error. Prioritizing immediate communication helps ensure that the patient receives appropriate care without delay.