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What is the first step a nurse should take after a medication error occurs?

A.

Complete an incident report within 24 hours

B.

Notify the prescriber and assess the client for harm

C.

Document the error in the client’s chart

D.

Inform the nursing supervisor

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

When a medication error occurs, the nurse's first priority is patient safety. The nurse must immediately assess the patient for adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider (prescriber) to initiate any necessary interventions. Prompt action helps minimize potential harm, ensures timely treatment, and supports the process of error reporting and quality improvement in medication safety.

Rationale for correct answer:

2. The first action is to assess the patient for adverse effects and notify the prescriber promptly so that timely interventions, such as administering an antidote or adjusting therapy, can prevent or reduce harm. Patient assessment ensures that any immediate risks are addressed.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. Completing an incident report is an important part of the medication error process but is not the first priority. Immediate patient safety takes precedence over documentation, which is completed later.

3. Documentation of the error in the patient’s chart is required for transparency and continuity of care but should occur after the nurse ensures the patient’s safety and informs the healthcare provider.

4. Informing the nursing supervisor is part of the reporting process but does not address the urgent need to evaluate and manage the patient’s condition immediately following the error.

Take-home points:

  • The nurse’s first priority after a medication error is to assess the patient and notify the prescriber.
  • Immediate action can reduce harm and guide timely interventions.
  • Reporting and documentation follow after patient safety is addressed.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Schedule I substances are classified as controlled drugs with no accepted medical use in the United States and carry the highest potential for abuse and dependence. Examples include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, which are illegal for medical treatment. Understanding the controlled substance schedules ensures safe handling and compliance with federal regulations.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. Schedule I substances, such as heroin and LSD, have no accepted medical use in the United States and possess the highest potential for abuse, which is why they are strictly prohibited for medical practice.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. Schedule II drugs, such as morphine and oxycodone, have a high potential for abuse and dependence but are recognized for their accepted medical uses under strict prescribing guidelines.

2. Schedule III substances, like ketamine, have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and accepted medical uses in the U.S., making them less restricted than Schedules I and II.

4. Schedule V drugs, such as cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine, have the lowest potential for abuse and accepted therapeutic uses, making them the least regulated controlled substances.

Take-home points:

  • Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and the highest abuse potential.
  • Examples include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy—prohibited in all medical settings.
  • Understanding drug schedules supports safe handling and legal compliance in nursing practice.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Pregnancy Category D medications are drugs that have shown positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits may outweigh the risks in certain clinical situations. Nurses must carefully assess the client’s condition and collaborate with the healthcare provider to determine if the medication is essential for the mother’s health. Safe medication practices include providing patient education on the risks and close monitoring during therapy.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. Pregnancy Category D medications have demonstrated fetal risk based on human studies, but in certain serious or life-threatening conditions, the potential benefit to the mother may justify their use despite these risks.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. Animal studies showing no risk but lacking human studies describe Pregnancy Category B, not Category D. Category D reflects known evidence of human fetal risk, not absence of risk in animals.

2. Risk in animals with no adequate human studies describes Pregnancy Category C. Category D is based on human data showing potential harm, making it more severe than Category C.

4. Proven fetal risk with strong contraindication for use in pregnancy describes Pregnancy Category X, not Category D. Category X medications should never be used in pregnancy due to clear evidence of fetal harm.

Take-home points:

  • Category D medications pose known fetal risk but may be used if benefits outweigh the risks.
  • These drugs require close provider judgment and informed patient consent.
  • Nurses must monitor for adverse effects and educate pregnant clients on potential risks.

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