A medication was administered to the wrong patient. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Take vital signs
• C. Administer an antidote
• D. Document the incident

Answer: (A)

When a medication is given to the wrong patient, the priority is to promptly involve the physician to determine the next steps and authorize any needed treatment. The physician can assess potential harm, prescribe appropriate orders, and decide whether a reversal agent, additional monitoring, or other interventions are required. Getting expert guidance quickly helps protect the patient from further risk and ensures the response aligns with medical standards.

Taking vital signs and monitoring the patient is important, but it supports the response after the physician is alerted. Administering an antidote without an order can introduce unnecessary risks, and documenting the incident is essential for safety and quality processes, but it should follow the physician’s notification and any immediate patient stabilization. Gather and report key details (what was given, to whom, when, and the patient’s response) to support the physician’s decision and the fuller incident report.