A nurse just realized that a medication error just occurred. What should the nurse do first?

The first and most important step that the nurse should take is to report the medication error immediately to the nurse manager or supervisor. Medication errors can have serious consequences for patients and it is important to take immediate action to address the situation. Reporting the error to the supervisor will allow for a timely assessment of the patient's condition and any necessary interventions.

Telling the patient or a co-worker about the error is not the first step the nurse should take. It is important to first ensure that the error is reported to the appropriate person who can take action to address the situation. If there is no adverse effect on the patient, it is still important to report the error to prevent any potential harm in the future. Ignoring the error or not reporting it is not an appropriate response and can have serious consequences for the patient's safety.

Involuntary admission to a mental health unit is done when an individual poses a threat to themselves or others due to a mental health condition. The initial hold is usually for 72 hours, during which the client's condition is assessed and an appropriate treatment plan is developed. If the client is still deemed to be a danger to themselves or others after the initial hold, the healthcare provider may request an extension of the hold or seek a court order to continue treatment.

In order to keep the client in the hospital, it must be determined that they continue to pose a threat to themselves or others.

Factors such as the client's ability to make arrangements to stay with someone or financial capability to pay for medications are not relevant to the decision of whether to continue the hold.

Similarly, unwillingness to accept treatment is not the determining factor, as involuntary treatment can be provided to clients who do not recognize their need for treatment if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.