What should a pharmacist do upon discovering a medication error?

Upon discovering a medication error, a pharmacist should report the error according to the pharmacy's policies and notify the patient if necessary. This course of action is critical for several reasons.

First, reporting the error ensures that the pharmacy can investigate the incident and determine the root cause, which is essential for preventing future occurrences. It contributes to a culture of safety and accountability within the pharmacy environment. By following established policies, pharmacists help ensure a standardized response that is compliant with legal and ethical guidelines.

Notifying the patient, when appropriate, is equally important. It allows the pharmacist to provide the patient with information about the error and any required actions they need to take regarding their health. Transparency with patients builds trust and improves patient safety, as they are informed about their medication and any potential effects of the error.

Addressing the options that don't align with best practices: informing management only would not holistically address the issue and could leave patients unaware of any risks related to their medication. Ignoring the error, even if perceived as minor, risks harm to the patient and undermines the commitment to safety. Simply documenting the error without a report might impede the pharmacy's ability to learn from mistakes and improve its processes.

The chosen response aligns with both legal obligations and ethical considerations in