What should be done first if a medication error occurs?

When a medication error occurs, the top priority is always the safety and well-being of the patient. Therefore, the first step that should be taken is to assess the patient. This involves evaluating their condition to determine if the error has caused any harm or could potentially cause harm.

While reporting the error is essential for documentation and accountability, it comes after ensuring the patient's health is prioritized. The assessment might involve monitoring for any adverse effects or symptoms that may arise from the medication error.

This process ensures that if the patient is in distress or experiencing negative effects, immediate medical intervention can be provided. Once the patient's safety is ensured, then corrective actions can be implemented, and appropriate reporting procedures can be followed. Notifying family members is also important but is typically done after addressing the immediate needs of the patient.