Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What should be done if a medication is administered incorrectly?

1. Ignore the mistake

2. Notify the patient

3. Correct it on the chart without notation

4. Follow proper correction protocol

The correct answer is: Follow proper correction protocol

When a medication is administered incorrectly, the appropriate response is to follow proper correction protocol. This process typically includes several critical steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. First, it's essential to assess the patient to determine if any adverse effects or reactions are occurring due to the incorrect administration. Following this assessment, the healthcare provider should document the error accurately, detailing what occurred, the medication involved, and the actions taken. This documentation is vital for legal and medical accountability and helps in preventing future errors. Additionally, communicating the incident to relevant parties, such as a nurse or physician, is crucial for ensuring the patient receives any necessary follow-up care. Following established protocols not only addresses immediate patient safety but also contributes to overall quality improvement within healthcare settings by identifying areas that may need further training or procedural revisions. In contrast, ignoring the mistake, merely notifying the patient without taking further action, or making corrections in the chart without proper documentation can lead to serious consequences for the patient's health and could potentially jeopardize the legal standing of the caregiver involved. Therefore, adhering to proper correction protocols is vital in medication administration practices.