When a pharmacy sends an incorrect medication, what is the first action a nurse should take?

The first action a nurse should take when receiving an incorrect medication from the pharmacy is to verify the medication order. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to ensure that the medication received does not match what was ordered, which provides a double-check against potential errors. It ensures that the nurse is fully informed about what was originally prescribed before taking any further action.

This verification process helps to prevent unnecessary confusion and potential harm that may result from administering the wrong medication. Once the order has been confirmed, the nurse can then proceed to take appropriate actions, such as contacting the pharmacy or requesting the correct medication, based on the verified information. Prioritizing verification aligns with established safety protocols in medication administration, reflecting the importance of diligence in preventing medication errors.