If a nurse suspects a patient is overmedicated, what should they do first?

When a nurse suspects a patient is overmedicated, the first course of action should be to perform a thorough assessment and contact the physician immediately. This approach is critical for several reasons.

First, conducting an assessment allows the nurse to gather vital information about the patient’s current condition, including vital signs, level of consciousness, and any noticeable symptoms related to overmedication. This data is essential for making informed decisions about the patient's care and for providing accurate information to the physician.

Secondly, involving the physician ensures that there is a collaborative approach to addressing the potential overmedication. The physician can evaluate the assessment findings, confirm whether the medication should be adjusted, or determine if additional interventions are necessary.

This immediate and systematic approach prioritizes patient safety and the need for professional guidance before making any changes to medication or administering antidotes, which may not be appropriate in every situation. Waiting for improvement or taking unilateral action like changing dosages without guidance could lead to serious harm to the patient.