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Disclosure of medication error — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeDisclosure of medication errorUSMLE Step 3

A resident accidentally administers 10 times the intended insulin dose to a hospitalized patient. The patient is treated promptly and has no lasting harm. The supervising physician asks what should happen next. Which of the following is the most appropriate quality improvement measure?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Disclose the error to the patient and file a safety report

Medical errors should be disclosed honestly to patients, documented appropriately, and reported through safety systems so contributing factors can be addressed.

Reference: AMA Code of Medical Ethics; AHRQ patient safety guidance