Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

What is the appropriate way to handle a medication error?

1. Document and notify your supervisor

2. Apologize to the resident

3. Disregard if the resident is fine

4. Notify the resident's family

The correct answer is: Document and notify your supervisor

The appropriate way to handle a medication error involves both documentation and notifying your supervisor, as this ensures that the error is formally recorded and that the necessary steps can be taken to mitigate any potential harm. Documenting the error provides a clear account of what happened, which is crucial for evaluating the situation and preventing future occurrences. Notifying a supervisor allows for immediate follow-up and implementation of any required actions to ensure the safety of the resident involved and to address any systemic issues that may have contributed to the error. While addressing the situation with the resident might feel like a good approach, simply apologizing does not fulfill the professional obligation to monitor and rectify the error through organizational channels. Disregarding the error because the resident appears to be fine does not account for potential delayed reactions or complications that could arise from medication errors. Notifying the resident's family, while important in some contexts, typically should only occur after the proper internal protocols have been followed, as it would be the responsibility of the healthcare provider to ensure all procedures are addressed first.