During a busy clinic, you realise that a patient received a higher dose of a medication than intended due to your prescribing error, but she has not c...

Question

During a busy clinic, you realise that a patient received a higher dose of a medication than intended due to your prescribing error, but she has not come to harm. What is the most appropriate action consistent with professional and ethical standards?

Accepted Answer

Openly disclose the error to the patient, apologise, explain potential consequences and document and report the incident

Answer

Do nothing since no harm occurred

Answer

Quietly correct the prescription without telling the patient

Answer

Blame the pharmacist for dispensing the wrong dose

Answer

Avoid documenting the incident to protect yourself legally

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Disclosure of medical error

During a busy clinic, you realise that a patient received a higher dose of a medication than intended due to your prescribing error, but she has not come to harm. What is the most appropriate action consistent with professional and ethical standards?