NCLEX Practice Test

What is the nurse's priority action after accidentally administering orally dissolving mirtazapine through a client's percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube instead of the prescribed sublingual route?

1. Disclose the medication error to the client

2. Document the error on an incident report

3. Inform the nurse manager about the error

4. Notify the prescribing health care provider

The correct answer is: Disclose the medication error to the client

The priority action in this scenario involves disclosing the medication error to the client. Open communication with the patient is vital for maintaining trust and providing them with important information regarding their care. Patients have the right to be informed about any mistakes that may affect their treatment and safety. By informing the patient, the nurse ensures that the client is aware of the situation and can actively engage in their own care decisions. In this case, it’s essential for the nurse to communicate transparently so that the client understands what occurred, including any potential implications of receiving the medication through the incorrect route. This action demonstrates accountability and reinforces the importance of safety and patient-centered care. While communicating the error to appropriate team members or documenting it in an incident report are also important steps to ensure proper follow-up and learning from the incident, the immediate concern is ensuring that the client is informed about their care and can receive any necessary interventions related to the medication error.