Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

If you make a medication error, who should you report it to?

1. The doctor immediately

2. Only the nurse supervisor

3. The next shift

4. It does not need reporting

The correct answer is: Only the nurse supervisor

Reporting a medication error is crucial for ensuring patient safety and preventing future incidents. The most appropriate course of action is to report it to the nurse supervisor. The nurse supervisor is typically responsible for overseeing the medication administration process and can coordinate the necessary follow-up actions, which may include notifying the physician, assessing any potential harm to the patient, and documenting the error in accordance with facility policies. The nurse supervisor has the authority and expertise to handle medication errors effectively, providing guidance on any immediate steps that need to be taken to address patient safety concerns. They play a critical role in managing the situation and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to rectify the error and support the affected patient. While other individuals, such as the doctor or the next shift staff, may eventually need to be informed about the error, the initial and immediate reporting should always go to the nurse supervisor, as they are best positioned to manage the situation and implement necessary interventions. Reporting an error to a supervisor also aligns with the protocols in most healthcare settings, which emphasize clear communication and accountability in medication administration.