NCLEX-PN® ExaminationCoordinated CareHard
An LPN is administering medications and realizes that a client received the wrong medication an hour ago, administered by another LPN during the previous shift. The client is currently asymptomatic. What is the LPN's immediate priority action?
- AInform the client about the medication error.
- BAssess the client for any adverse effects.
- CComplete an incident report.
- DNotify the physician immediately.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Assess the client for any adverse effects.
The immediate priority in any medication error, regardless of who administered it, is client safety. Assessing the client for adverse effects is crucial to determine their current condition and the potential for harm, allowing for prompt intervention if needed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Informing the client is part of disclosure and transparency, but it is not the immediate priority over ensuring their physical safety.
- C. Completing an incident report is necessary for quality improvement and risk management, but it is a secondary action after ensuring client safety.
- D. Notifying the physician is essential but follows immediately after assessing the client's condition, as the assessment guides the information conveyed to the physician.
Medication Error Response
The systematic and prioritized actions taken by healthcare professionals when a medication error occurs, focusing on client safety, reporting, and prevention.
- Client safety is the immediate priority.
- Follow facility's incident reporting policy.
- Transparency with client is important.
Memory trick: When 'ERROR' strikes, 'ASSESS' for immediate 'HARM'.