What should a nurse do immediately after making a medication error?

The immediate response to a medication error is critical to ensure patient safety and proper management of the situation. Reporting the error immediately allows the healthcare team to take necessary actions, including assessing the patient to determine if they have experienced any adverse effects from the error. This step is vital as it ensures that the patient receives timely care, which can mitigate potential harm.

Following facility policies is also important, as they typically provide a clear framework on how to handle medication errors effectively. This includes informing supervisory staff and possibly initiating an incident report, which contributes to quality improvement and can help prevent future errors.

While informing the patient can be a significant part of the response, it should come after the nurse has assessed the situation and reported to the appropriate personnel. Consulting a peer for advice or documenting the error without notifying anyone would delay essential actions that could impact patient safety and compromise the quality of care.