A registered nurse interprets that a scribbled medication order reads 25 mg. The nurse administers 25 mg of the medication to a patient and then discovers that the dose was incorrectly interpreted and should have been 15 mg. Who is ultimately responsible for the error?

Choice A reason: The nurse is ultimately responsible for the medication error because it is the nurse's duty to verify the accuracy and clarity of medication orders before administration. If there is any uncertainty or difficulty in reading a medication order, the nurse should clarify the order with the prescribing healthcare provider. Administering medication without clear verification of the dosage places the responsibility on the nurse for any resulting errors. Choice B reason: While the healthcare provider is responsible for prescribing medications accurately, the ultimate responsibility for verifying and administering the correct dosage lies with the nurse. The healthcare provider should be contacted if there is any ambiguity, but they are not the sole party responsible for the administration error. Choice C reason: The hospital is responsible for ensuring proper protocols and training are in place to prevent medication errors. However, the immediate responsibility for the medication administration falls on the individual nurse, who must verify and administer the correct dosage. The hospital may have systemic issues that contribute to errors, but the nurse has the final check before administration. Choice D reason: Pharmacists play a crucial role in verifying and dispensing medications accurately, but the nurse is the final check before medication administration. The pharmacist’s role is not in the direct administration but in ensuring the medication provided is correct based on the order. The ultimate responsibility for the error lies with the nurse who administered the medication.