Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

What is the proper procedure in the event of a medication administration error?

1. Document the error and monitor the patient

2. Inform the patient immediately

3. Discard all remaining medication

4. Ignore the error if the patient is stable

The correct answer is: Document the error and monitor the patient

The proper procedure in the event of a medication administration error is to document the error and monitor the patient. This approach ensures that there is an accurate record of what happened, which is crucial for patient safety, legal accountability, and quality assurance processes. By documenting the error, healthcare providers can track the incident, learn from it, and implement changes to prevent future occurrences. Monitoring the patient is equally important, as it allows the healthcare team to assess any potential reactions or side effects resulting from the error. Timely observation can help in identifying and managing any adverse effects, ensuring the patient receives appropriate care and intervention if needed. While informing the patient about the medication error is important, it is more critical to follow established protocols, which prioritize patient safety and health outcomes. Discarding remaining medication may not always be necessary or relevant to the situation, and ignoring the error, even if the patient seems stable, is irresponsible and could have serious implications for patient safety. Thus, the comprehensive strategy of documenting the error and monitoring the patient effectively addresses both immediate and long-term considerations in medication management.