Question

A nurse administers a dose of metformin to a patient instead of the prescribed dose of metoclopramide. What action should the nurse take first?

a. Notify the healthcare provider.
b. Assess the patient for adverse effects.
c. Document the error in the medication administration record.
d. Inform the charge nurse of the mistake.

Answer 1

The nurse should first assess the patient for adverse effects when administering the wrong dose of metformin instead of metoclopramide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action the nurse should take first when they administer the wrong dose of metformin instead of metoclopramide is to b. Assess the patient for adverse effects. Metformin is a medication used to treat diabetes, while metoclopramide is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. The nurse should assess the patient for any adverse effects or reactions that may occur as a result of receiving the incorrect medication.

Assessing the patient for adverse effects is crucial because metformin and metoclopramide have different mechanisms of action and can cause different side effects. The nurse should monitor the patient's vitals signs, check for any signs or symptoms of drug reactions, and report any concerns to the healthcare provider promptly.

While it is important to document the error in the medication administration record and inform the charge nurse of the mistake, the immediate priority is to assess the patient for adverse effects.