What should a medication aide do upon realizing a medication administration error?

When a medication aide realizes a medication administration error, the appropriate action is to report the error to the supervising nurse. This is essential because the nurse is responsible for the overall care of the resident and can assess the situation, determine any necessary interventions, and take appropriate action to ensure the resident's safety and well-being.

Reporting to the supervising nurse also ensures that the incident is documented and that any required follow-up actions are taken, such as correcting the error, monitoring the patient for adverse effects, and reviewing systems to prevent future errors. This step is critical in maintaining accountability and adhering to safety protocols in medication administration.

While communicating with the resident is important for maintaining trust, the supervising nurse has the expertise and authority to manage the situation effectively. Similarly, notifying the family may be appropriate at a later stage, but the immediate priority is to ensure the resident receives the right care promptly from the appropriate medical staff. Thus, the correct course of action is to inform the supervising nurse.