A nurse is documenting an incident report for a medication error that occurred on her unit.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

(Select all that apply.).

Choice A is correct because using standardized terminology and abbreviations can improve the clarity, accuracy, and consistency of the documentation in an EHR system.

• Choice B is correct because entering data as soon as possible after providing care can ensure the timeliness, completeness, and validity of the information in an EHR system.

• Choice C is wrong because sharing login information with other authorized users can compromise the security, privacy, and integrity of the EHR system.HIPAA guidelines require that each user has a unique identifier and password to access the EHR system.

• Choice D is correct because reviewing and verifying data before saving or submitting can prevent errors, omissions, and discrepancies in the EHR system.

• Choice E is wrong because correcting errors by drawing a single line through them is a method used for paper records, not electronic records.Electronic records should have a mechanism to track changes and corrections without altering the original data.

:HIPAA Guidelines for Electronic Medical Records:Electronic Health Records - Health IT Playbook.

The nurse should include factual information about what happened and notify the risk management department.These actions are part of the steps of reporting medication errorsand the good practice guide on recording, coding, reporting and assessment of medication errors.

Choice B is wrong because the nurse should not state opinions about who was responsible for the error.

This could be seen as biased, unprofessional or accusatory.

The nurse should focus on the facts and the causes of the error, not on blaming individuals.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse should not file the report in the client’s medical record.

This could violate the client’s privacy and confidentiality.

The report should be filed in a separate system that is accessible only to authorized personnel.

Choice E is wrong because the nurse should not discuss possible solutions to prevent future errors.

This could be premature, unrealistic or inappropriate.

The nurse should leave this task to the investigation team or the risk management department, who will analyse the incident and make recommendations based on evidence and best practice.