What action should a KMA take in the event of a medication error?

In the event of a medication error, it is crucial for a KMA to report the error immediately to the supervising nurse. This is essential for several reasons. First, timely reporting allows for prompt assessment of the patient’s condition to ascertain if there are any adverse effects from the medication error. Immediate action can be taken to mitigate any potential harm to the patient.

Additionally, reporting the error ensures that appropriate documentation can be completed, which is vital for maintaining accurate medical records and for compliance with facility protocols and regulations. This documentation also plays a key role in evaluating the circumstances of the error to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Taking swift action highlights the KMA’s responsibility for patient safety and adherence to professional standards of practice. Ignoring the error or delaying the report could have serious implications for patient care, as any potential effects from the error may escalate if not addressed promptly.