A nurse administers the wrong dose of medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement first?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Inform the nursing manager: While notifying the manager is important for accountability and support, it does not address the immediate safety needs of the client. B. Monitor the client's condition: The first action after a medication error is to assess and monitor the client for any adverse effects. Ensuring the client’s safety and identifying early signs of complications takes priority over reporting. C. Notify the client's provider: The provider should be informed promptly, but only after assessing the client and determining their current condition and any immediate interventions needed. D. Complete an occurrence report: Documenting the error is essential for legal and quality improvement purposes, but it is not the first priority. The client’s safety must be addressed before reporting the incident.