If Mr. Jones was ordered to receive 500mg of medication and only received 250mg, what should you do?

When a patient, such as Mr. Jones, is prescribed a specific dosage of medication, it is crucial to ensure that the full dose is administered as ordered. In this case, Mr. Jones was supposed to receive 500mg but only received 250mg. Because this dose has not been fully administered, it poses a risk to the patient's health, as they may not be receiving the therapeutic effect intended by the prescribed amount.

Reporting the incident to the charge nurse immediately is the correct course of action. This ensures that appropriate steps are taken to address the medication error. The charge nurse can assess the situation, determine whether to administer the additional dose now or take other necessary actions based on Mr. Jones's condition and medical history, and document the error properly.

This process also adheres to protocols designed to prioritize patient safety and maintain clear communication among healthcare team members. Medications must be administered precisely as prescribed, and any discrepancies must be escalated to ensure the patient's safety and continuity of care.