Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Who is most likely to be held liable after a nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient?

1. No one because it was an accident

2. The hospital

3. The nurse

4. The nurse and the hospital

The correct answer is: The nurse and the hospital

When a nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient, liability can emerge from the actions taken, and both the nurse and the hospital can be held responsible in such situations. The nurse may be liable due to professional negligence, as they have a duty to administer medications safely and accurately. This duty includes verifying the correct medication, dosage, and patient before administration. If the nurse fails in any part of this duty, such as not checking the medication label or not being aware of the patient's allergies, they could be considered negligent. On the other hand, the hospital can also be liable under vicarious liability, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of employment. If the nurse was following hospital protocols at the time of medication administration, the hospital may share in the responsibility. Therefore, recognizing the potential for both the nurse and the hospital to face liability underscores the importance of adherence to established protocols and practices in medication administration to ensure patient safety. This dual accountability ensures that both practitioners and healthcare institutions prioritize patient care and safety as a collective commitment.