First action if a medication error is suspected

• A. Notify the patient’s family of the error.
• B. Document the error in the chart only.
• C. Assess the patient for safety and adverse effects, then notify the supervisor and document per policy.
• D. Stop all medications immediately.

Answer: (C)

When a medication error is suspected, the priority is the patient’s safety. The first action is to assess the patient for safety and adverse effects to identify any immediate harm and determine what interventions are needed. After that assessment, quickly notify the supervisor and document the incident according to policy so it’s properly reported and recorded for accountability and quality improvement. Notifying the family isn't the immediate step and can breach confidentiality; stopping all medications without assessment could harm the patient by withholding needed treatment; documenting alone without addressing safety or reporting does not address the risk or ensure proper follow-up.