A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a high-alert medication. Which action best demonstrates vigilance?

A. Documenting only at the end of the shift: Waiting until the end of the shift to document medications can lead to delayed recognition of errors or adverse effects. Prompt documentation is essential for accuracy, continuity of care, and early intervention if complications arise. B. Delegating all medication checks to the pharmacy: While pharmacy verification is important, the nurse remains responsible for safe administration. Delegating all checks removes the nurse’s direct oversight, increasing the risk of errors with high-alert medications. C. Maintaining continuous attention to changes in patient condition and potential risks: Vigilance requires the nurse to monitor the patient closely, assess for adverse reactions, and anticipate potential complications. Continuous observation and proactive assessment help prevent errors and ensure timely interventions, particularly with high-alert medications. D. Relying on alarms instead of direct observation: Alarms serve as helpful reminders but cannot replace the nurse’s clinical judgment and hands-on assessment. Overreliance on alarms may delay recognition of subtle changes in the patient’s condition that require immediate action.