The inexperienced nurse is reassigned to another unit to care for a critically ill client whose care is beyond her capability. What action should the nurse take first?

D. Assessing the client is the nurse's first responsibility when a medication error is suspected. The nurse should promptly assess the client's condition to determine if any harm has occurred as a result of the error. This assessment includes vital signs, physical assessment, and evaluation of any signs or symptoms related to the medication error.

A. Documenting the medication error is important for accurate record-keeping and subsequent investigation. However, it should not be the nurse's first action. The priority should be to assess and address any potential harm to the client.

B. Calling the physician may be necessary depending on the severity of the error and the client's condition. However, it is not the first responsibility of the nurse in response to a suspected medication error. The nurse's primary concern should be the immediate assessment and management of the client's condition.

C. Notifying the supervisor or charge nurse is an important step to report the incident and seek guidance on next steps. Supervisors can assist in managing the situation, implementing corrective measures, and ensuring appropriate documentation and reporting procedures are followed. This is typically one of the first actions after ensuring the client's safety.

A. This is located on the lateral side of the thigh. It is a commonly used site for infants, toddlers, and young children, as well as adults who require large-volume injections.

B. This site is located on the hip or gluteal region. It is considered one of the safest and least painful sites for intramuscular injections in adults. It is also used when the volume of medication is larger or when the dorsogluteal site is contraindicated.

E. This site is located on the upper arm, specifically the lateral aspect. It is commonly used for vaccines and medications that require smaller volumes in adults and older children.

C. There is no specific muscle called the "rectus lateralis." It seems to be a combination of the rectus femoris (a muscle in the quadriceps group of the thigh) and the vastus lateralis. However, neither "rectus lateralis" nor "rectus femoris" is commonly used as a distinct injection site in clinical practice.

D. This site is located on the buttocks. Historically, it was a commonly used site for intramuscular injections, but it has fallen out of favor due to the potential risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery.