Which action should be taken immediately after discovering an incorrect dose was administered?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Notify the patient and family
• C. Document the error
• D. Prepare for an analysis of the error

Answer: (A)

When a medication dose is administered incorrectly, the highest priority is the patient’s safety. The immediate step is to notify the physician so they can assess for harm and provide orders for the appropriate corrective actions, antidotes if needed, and closer monitoring. This physician input is crucial to determine the right clinical course right away and prevent further deterioration.

Informing the patient and family is important for transparency, but it should follow the physician’s guidance and the initial safety actions. Documentation is essential, but it typically happens after the immediate patient care steps are addressed to ensure an accurate and complete record. An analysis of the error belongs in quality improvement efforts and is usually pursued after the patient’s condition is stabilized and after reporting to the appropriate supervisory or risk-management channels.