What is the first step you should take when reporting a medication error?

The first step in reporting a medication error is to notify the supervisor. This action is crucial as it ensures that the appropriate authority is informed about the incident, allowing for a coordinated response to the error. Reporting to a supervisor often involves protocols that ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance, and they can guide the next steps in addressing the situation effectively.

Notifying the supervisor also helps initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the error, which is vital for understanding how it occurred and preventing similar incidents in the future. This might include interviewing staff involved, reviewing procedures, and verifying if any harm occurred to the resident. Only after the supervisor has been informed should further steps, such as documenting the error, informing the resident, or contacting the prescribing doctor, be considered in alignment with organizational policies.