What should a nurse do if a medication is not administered as prescribed?

When a medication is not administered as prescribed, it is essential for the nurse to document the error, inform the healthcare provider, and adhere to facility policy. This is important for several key reasons.

Firstly, documentation serves as an official record of the incident, which is crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring continuity of care. It provides an account of the circumstances surrounding the missed dose, which can be valuable for assessing the impact on the patient's health and determining necessary follow-up actions.

Secondly, informing the healthcare provider is vital because they are responsible for the patient's treatment plan. The provider can evaluate the situation, assess any potential implications for the patient's health, and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include rescheduling the dose, adjusting treatment plans, or monitoring the patient more closely.

Lastly, following facility policy ensures that the response to the medication error is consistent with organizational standards and guidelines designed to maintain patient safety. Each healthcare institution has established protocols for such situations, which help promote a culture of safety and minimize the risks associated with medication errors.

The other approaches do not prioritize patient safety or collaborative healthcare practices, highlighting the importance of adhering to professional and ethical standards in nursing.