What should a nurse do immediately after administering the wrong medication to a patient?

After administering the wrong medication to a patient, the immediate priority should be to notify the primary care provider (PCP). This is crucial because the PCP can provide guidance on the next steps to take, which may include monitoring the patient for adverse effects, administering antidotes if necessary, or adjusting treatment plans to mitigate any potential harm. The patient's safety is the highest priority, and the PCP may have specific protocols or interventions that need to be initiated promptly.

While documenting the error and notifying the family are important steps to take afterward, they do not address the immediate medical implications of having administered the wrong drug. Giving the correct medication right away could risk further complications, especially if the wrong medication has potential harmful effects. Thus, engaging the primary care provider for immediate assessment and guidance is the most critical first action to ensure patient safety.