Question

On a medical ward, a 68-year-old woman receives 10 times the prescribed dose of intravenous Morphine but suffers no apparent harm after prompt reversal with Naloxone. She and her family are unaware of the error. What is the most appropriate action according to professional guidance?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient and family of the error, apologise, explain what happened and how it will be prevented, and report it via local incident systems.

Answer

Do nothing as there was no actual harm.

Answer

Document the error in the notes but do not inform the patient to avoid causing anxiety.

Answer

Inform the trust’s legal department only in case of future litigation.

Answer

Wait until discharge and then write to the GP explaining the error.

Practice question

On a medical ward, a 68-year-old woman receives 10 times the prescribed dose of intravenous Morphine but suffers no apparent harm after prompt reversal with Naloxone. She and her family are unaware of the error. What is the most appropriate action according to professional guidance?