What should an STNA do upon noticing a medication error?

When an STNA observes a medication error, the appropriate course of action is to report the error immediately to the supervising nurse. This ensures that the situation is handled by a trained professional who can properly assess the implications of the error and take corrective action if needed. The supervising nurse has the authority and knowledge to determine the next steps in terms of patient safety and legal documentation.

By reporting the error promptly, the STNA helps to maintain the safety and well-being of the patient, as the supervising nurse can provide guidance on how to mitigate any potential adverse effects from the error. Furthermore, bringing the error to the supervisor's attention allows for the appropriate documentation of the incident and helps to prevent similar errors in the future through review and procedural adjustments.

This approach underscores the importance of communication within healthcare teams and ensures accountability and adherence to protocols, which are vital components of patient care. The other options, while they may seem like logical responses to handling a medication error, do not prioritize the necessary chain of command and proper protocol in addressing such incidents.