How should you respond to a coworker's mistaken documentation that could harm patient care?

• A. Bring it to attention, discuss with supervisor, correct records, following policy.
• B. Ignore and hope it doesn't cause issues.
• C. Publicly shame the coworker.
• D. Delete the entry.

Answer: (A)

The focus here is safeguarding patient safety by handling errors in documentation through the proper channels. When you notice mistaken documentation that could affect patient care, the best course is to bring it to attention, discuss it with a supervisor, and correct the records following your facility’s policy. This approach keeps information accurate, supports clear communication among the care team, and protects both patients and staff by sticking to approved procedures for addressing and amending records. Publicly shaming a coworker harms professional relationships and doesn’t fix the record. Ignoring the issue allows the error to persist and potentially harm care. Deleting or removing the entry is not allowed and amounts to falsifying records. By following the established process—reporting the concern, seeking guidance, and making the appropriate correction—you maintain safety, integrity, and compliance in patient care.