In the event of a medication error, what is the nurse's first responsibility?

In the event of a medication error, the nurse's first responsibility is to assess the client's condition. This is critical because the primary duty of a nurse is to ensure patient safety and well-being. By assessing the client's condition, the nurse can identify any immediate effects of the medication error, such as adverse reactions or deterioration in the client's status. This step allows for prompt intervention, which is essential in mitigating potential harm to the patient.

Following the assessment, the nurse can then take the necessary actions based on the findings. This may include notifying the healthcare provider about the error and the patient's current condition, documenting the incident, and sometimes informing the nursing supervisor as part of the institutional protocols. However, assessing the client takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's health and safety, which is the foremost concern in nursing practice.