Question

The nurse is completing a client's medication reconciliation. The nurse notes a discrepancy between the current prescribed medications and the client's home medications. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Document the discrepancy in the medical record

Discontinue the prescription that was incorrect

Notify the provider about the discrepancy

Complete an incident report

Answer 1

The most appropriate action for the nurse is to document the discrepancy in the medical record. Discontinuing the incorrect prescription without consulting the provider could be harmful. Notification to the provider and completing an incident report may also be necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to document the discrepancy in the medical record. By documenting the discrepancy, the nurse ensures that the information is accurately recorded for future reference and potential follow-up actions. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the client's medication reconciliation process.

Discontinuing the prescription that was incorrect without consulting the provider could lead to potential harm to the client, as the nurse may not have the complete information or understanding of the client's medical history and current condition. Notifying the provider about the discrepancy is also an important step, as they can provide guidance and take appropriate actions based on their expertise.

Completing an incident report may be necessary if the discrepancy poses a potential risk or if there was an error in the medication reconciliation process itself. However, it should be done in conjunction with the other actions mentioned above.