What are the appropriate steps to take in the event of a medication error?

In the event of a medication error, the appropriate course of action is to document the error and report it to a supervisor. This step is crucial because it ensures that the medication error is recorded accurately, which aids in tracking potential patterns of mistakes and contributes to enhancing patient safety. By informing a supervisor, you can also facilitate proper follow-up actions, which may involve assessing the patient’s health status and determining if any corrective measures are needed.

Documenting the error provides an official record that can be helpful for further investigation and quality assurance processes. Reporting to a supervisor also aligns with the policies and protocols of healthcare settings, ensuring that the incident is handled with the proper oversight and support. This promotes accountability and fosters a culture of safety in medication management.

Taking steps such as notifying the patient immediately may not be appropriate before ensuring that all necessary parties are informed and that the error is properly documented. Additionally, attempting to rectify the error personally without oversight could lead to further complications or risks to the patient. Calling the pharmacy for instructions may not address the immediate need for proper reporting and documentation critical in such situations.