CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

If a nurse forgets to chart a medication during an Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), what should you do?

1. Ignore the omission

2. Chart it yourself

3. Bring the omission to their attention

4. Report the nurse to a supervisor

The correct answer is: Bring the omission to their attention

Bringing the omission to the nurse's attention is the right course of action because effective communication and teamwork are essential in a healthcare setting to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. When a medication is not charted, it creates a risk for the patient, as other healthcare providers may rely on accurate documentation to manage treatment and avoid potential medication interactions. Addressing the oversight directly allows for prompt correction, ensuring that the patient's medical record is accurate and that necessary actions can be taken if needed based on the unrecorded medication. It supports a culture of accountability and fosters a collaborative environment where any errors can be rectified before they impact patient safety. Other options, such as ignoring the omission or charting it yourself, do not address the issue appropriately and could undermine the responsibility and transparency needed in clinical practice. Reporting the nurse to a supervisor might escalate the situation unnecessarily without offering a chance for the individual to correct their mistake directly.