Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

Which of the following describes an appropriate action for reporting medication discrepancies?

1. Contact the health care provider first

2. Notify the pharmacy and document the issue

3. Inform the patient's family immediately

4. Wait for the next shift to report

The correct answer is: Notify the pharmacy and document the issue

Notifying the pharmacy and documenting the issue is an appropriate action for reporting medication discrepancies because it helps ensure patient safety and proper medication management. When a discrepancy occurs, such as a missing dose, incorrect dosage, or an unknown medication on the patient's record, it is crucial to notify the pharmacy as they are responsible for the dispensation and have access to the patient's medication history. Documentation of the discrepancy is equally important as it creates a record of the event, facilitating follow-up action and helping to prevent future occurrences. In contrast, contacting the health care provider first may delay the resolution of the issue and does not address the immediate need to rectify the medication records with the pharmacy, who can intervene quickly. Informing the patient's family immediately may not be necessary at this stage, as the priority is to address the discrepancy with the healthcare team and ensure the patient's safety first. Waiting for the next shift to report can lead to delays that could jeopardize patient care and is not an acceptable practice in managing medication safety.