Final answer:
When a nurse gives a patient's 7 PM meds at 7 AM, the nurse should observe for adverse effects, notify the prescribing provider, and fill out an incident report.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the nurse inadvertently gives a patient's 7 PM meds at 7 AM, the first step the nurse should take is to observe for adverse effects. This is important to ensure the patient's well-being and to address any potential complications or reactions that may arise from the medication.
After observing for adverse effects, the nurse should notify the prescribing provider about the medication error. This allows the provider to assess the situation and provide further guidance or instructions on how to proceed.
In addition to notifying the provider, the nurse should also fill out an incident report to document the medication error. Incident reports are important for reporting and tracking errors, and they provide a means for analyzing and improving patient safety in healthcare settings.