If a client receives the wrong medication, which action should the nurse take first?

If a client receives the wrong medication, which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Complete a medication error report
• B. Notify the prescribing provider
• C. Assess the client
• D. Notify the charge nurse

Answer: (C)

The immediate priority is to assess the client. When a medication error occurs, you first determine the patient’s condition to see if harm has occurred and what urgent actions are needed. Check vital signs and basic stability, evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and look for signs of an adverse reaction or overdose (such as confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, rash, or changes in skin color). This assessment guides the next steps—whether to hold further doses, initiate any emergency interventions, or administer antidotes or supportive care as needed. After you’ve gauged the patient’s status, you would notify the prescriber and begin the required documentation and reporting according to policy.

The immediate priority is to assess the client. When a medication error occurs, you first determine the patient’s condition to see if harm has occurred and what urgent actions are needed. Check vital signs and basic stability, evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and look for signs of an adverse reaction or overdose (such as confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, rash, or changes in skin color). This assessment guides the next steps—whether to hold further doses, initiate any emergency interventions, or administer antidotes or supportive care as needed. After you’ve gauged the patient’s status, you would notify the prescriber and begin the required documentation and reporting according to policy.