How should a CRMA respond if they notice a medication is missing?

A CRMA should report the missing medication according to facility protocol primarily because established procedures are in place to ensure safety and compliance in medication management. Reporting the incident allows for a proper investigation and documentation, which is essential for accountability and continuity of care. Depending on the facility's protocols, this step may involve notifying a supervisor or a nursing staff member who can take appropriate actions, such as evaluating potential causes for the discrepancy and determining the next steps for patient care.

Following established protocols is crucial, as it helps maintain the integrity of medication administration practices and protects both the patient and the staff. This response ensures that all necessary measures are taken to resolve the issue effectively, which may include checking for documentation errors or conducting a more extensive search if warranted.

While notifying the patient might seem like a reasonable option, doing so could lead to unnecessary anxiety or confusion before all facts are confirmed. Searching the facility for the medication is typically not advisable as the first response; it may distract from the proper reporting procedure. Disposing of remaining medication would not be appropriate without first properly assessing the situation, as it could compound the issue and may violate protocols regarding medication management.