What must a veterinarian do in case of a medication error?

When a medication error occurs, the veterinarian must prioritize patient safety and client trust. Documenting the error is crucial as it creates a record of what happened, providing transparency and accountability in veterinary practice. This documentation can be important for future reference, in case further complications arise.

Notifying the client about the error allows them to make informed decisions regarding their pet's care. Keeping the client informed helps to maintain trust in the veterinarian-client relationship, which is essential in veterinary medicine. Depending on the nature and severity of the medication error, it may also be necessary to notify relevant authorities, such as a veterinary board or regulatory body, particularly if the error has broader implications for animal health or if it involves controlled substances.

This approach emphasizes the importance of ethical practices in veterinary medicine and reinforces the responsibility of veterinarians to act in the best interests of their patients and clients.