When should you contact a charge nurse regarding a medication administration issue?

The scenario presented revolves around when it is appropriate to contact a charge nurse concerning medication administration issues. In this case, the correct answer centers on the situation in which a resident vomits after taking medication that is due.

When a resident vomits, it raises immediate concerns about their medication regimen. The effectiveness of the medication could be compromised if it is vomited shortly after administration, which may necessitate the nurse's intervention—either to determine whether to administer the medication again or to adjust the treatment plan as needed. This situation directly impacts patient safety and the therapeutic benefits of the medication, making it vital to inform the charge nurse promptly.

The other options present scenarios that do not typically warrant immediate notification of a charge nurse to the same degree. For instance, there may be established protocols for handling late medications or situations where a resident requests medications, which may not require urgent escalation. While knowing a resident’s allergies is crucial for safe medication administration, it does not inherently indicate a pressing issue requiring a charge nurse's involvement at that moment.