What is the first action a nurse should take after discovering an incorrect medication has been administered?

When a nurse discovers that an incorrect medication has been administered, the priority action is to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Checking the client’s vital signs is a critical first step because it allows the nurse to assess the patient’s immediate physiological response to the incorrect medication. This assessment helps determine if there are any adverse effects or complications arising from the error. Vital signs provide valuable information that can guide further interventions and inform other healthcare providers about the patient’s current condition.

Follow-up actions, such as notifying the physician or documenting the error, are also important but typically occur after the nurse has secured the patient’s safety by assessing their vital signs. Providing additional medication without appropriate assessment could lead to further complications or harm. Therefore, the necessary first step in this situation is to evaluate the patient’s vital signs to ensure they are stable and to gather information that may influence subsequent nursing actions and decisions.