Ethically, what is the nurse’s best action when he believes a medicati

QUESTION

Ethically, what is the nurse’s best action when he believes a medication error has been made?

1. Immediately make the care provider aware of the error.
2. Attempt to correct the error to avoid any punitive actions.
3. Fill out the safety report, using it to report the error to the nurse manager.
4. Call the charge nurse to get advice as to the next action needed.

ANSWER:

Answer: 1

Rationale: The client’s safety is paramount in this situation, so the care provider needs to know immediately. Punitive action should occur only if the nurse attempts to conceal the error by dishonesty. The safety or incident report would be filled out, but after the client is taken care of. The nurse needs to act before making the charge nurse aware.