If a medication appears different from what you expect, what should you do?

When a medication appears different from your expectations, checking the pharmacy label for a description match is the most appropriate course of action. The pharmacy label typically includes critical information such as the drug name, dosage, form, and any identifying characteristics like color and shape. Verifying this information ensures that you are administering the correct medication and helps prevent potential medication errors that could jeopardize patient safety.

In instances where there's a discrepancy, relying on the label helps in confirming whether the medication is indeed the one prescribed for the patient. This step is crucial in maintaining accuracy and accountability in medication administration.

While consulting a colleague can be valuable in some situations, it does not provide the same level of verification that directly checking the pharmacy label offers. Disposing of the medication without verification could lead to unnecessary waste and risks overlooking an appropriate treatment. Administering a medication based solely on the client's agreement also poses a significant risk; patient consent does not substitute for ensuring that the medication is correct, both in form and content. Thus, focusing on the pharmacy label serves as the best practice for ensuring patient safety and medication accuracy.