What is the primary legal responsibility of a nurse when an error in medication administration occurs?

The primary legal responsibility of a nurse when an error in medication administration occurs is to report the error to relevant authorities as soon as possible. This duty ensures that any potential harm to the patient is addressed immediately and allows for appropriate follow-up actions, such as assessing the patient for any adverse effects. Timely reporting can facilitate an accurate understanding of the situation, leading to patient safety measures and potential corrective actions.

Additionally, reporting the incident aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability in nursing practice. It ensures that appropriate medical intervention can be implemented quickly and that the healthcare team can collaboratively work toward minimizing risks associated with the error. This also aids in institutional learning, fostering an environment where such incidents are reviewed and prevented in the future.

While informing the patient of the error can be part of the process, as well as documenting the incident and notifying supervisors, the immediate action that impacts patient safety and care involves reporting the error. Withholding further medication without proper consultation could lead to more complications, making it less appropriate as an initial response.