# A nurse administers a scheduled oral medication 2 hours late. The client is assessed, remains stable, and the provider has been notified according to facility policy. Which action should the nurse take next?

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> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397133&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: NCLEX-RN  
> category: MOC

## Question

A nurse administers a scheduled oral medication 2 hours late. The client is assessed, remains stable, and the provider has been notified according to facility policy. Which action should the nurse take next?

## Option

1. Place a copy of the incident report in the medical record.
2. Chart that the dose was on time because no harm occurred.
3. Complete the facility safety event report according to policy. **✔ Correct answer**
4. Ask the client whether the late dose should be reported.

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

A medication timing error should be reported through the facility's safety event process so trends can be reviewed and systems improved. Incident reports are not placed in the medical record. Documentation must remain factual and accurate even when no harm occurs.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Medication timing error reporting.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Medication timing error reporting, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Safety Event Report** — An internal report used to analyze errors or near misses and improve systems.
- **Medication Error** — A preventable event that may lead to inappropriate medication use or harm.
- **Quality Improvement** — Systematic work to improve care processes and outcomes.

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