What step should a nurse take if a medication error occurs?

When a medication error occurs, it is crucial for the nurse to communicate the error to the healthcare team immediately. This prompt reporting allows for an accurate assessment of the situation to be made, ensuring that any necessary actions can be taken to mitigate potential harm to the patient.

By informing the healthcare team, the nurse ensures that everyone involved in the patient's care is aware of the error, which aids in monitoring for adverse effects and making any required changes to the treatment plan. Prompt communication can also help maintain patient safety as interventions may be initiated quickly, providing an opportunity to rectify the situation and avoid further complications.

Ignoring the error or only informing the patient creates an unnecessary risk and could lead to more serious consequences. Completing medication administration without reporting does not address the issue at hand and can compromise patient safety.