What should an LPN do if they make a medication error?

When a medication error occurs, the appropriate and responsible action for an LPN is to report the error immediately to a supervising nurse or physician. This course of action is crucial for several reasons.

First, timely reporting ensures that the patient can be monitored for any potential adverse effects resulting from the medication error. Prompt intervention may be necessary to mitigate any harm that could arise from the mistake. Additionally, reporting the error helps in maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care within the healthcare facility.

By communicating the error to a supervisor, the LPN not only adheres to ethical and legal responsibilities but also contributes to a culture of transparency and accountability within the healthcare team. This practice can lead to better policies and protocols to prevent similar errors in the future, ultimately benefiting all patients.

The other options would not prioritize patient safety or follow professional nursing standards. Ignoring the error or attempting to correct it without informing others could lead to further complications and may place the patient at an increased risk. Additionally, documentation without notification of the error does not adequately uphold the responsibility of the healthcare provider to keep the patient safe.