Question

On a medical ward you realise that a patient with chronic kidney disease received 10 mg instead of 1 mg of intravenous Morphine due to your prescribing error. The patient is drowsy but maintaining airway and oxygen saturations after treatment with Naloxone. What is the most appropriate next step regarding disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient (and family if appropriate), apologise, explain what has happened and what will be done, and record and report the incident

Answer

Wait to see if the patient deteriorates before saying anything

Answer

Tell the patient only if they or their family specifically ask about it

Answer

Avoid documenting the error in the notes but complete an anonymous incident form

Answer

Inform the GMC immediately before speaking to the patient

Practice question