If you witness a coworker taking medication from the dispense cart, what is the first step?

• A. Calmly approach the coworker and give them an opportunity to explain.
• B. Immediately report to a supervisor without discussion.
• C. Ignore the behavior to avoid confrontation.
• D. Publicly accuse the coworker.

Answer: (A)

The situation tests how to handle suspected medication safety issues with professionalism and de-escalation. The best first step is to calmly approach the coworker in a private, nonconfrontational way and give them a chance to explain. This approach preserves dignity, reduces defensiveness, and lets you gather facts before taking further action. If their explanation reveals a policy violation or if the behavior continues or poses an immediate risk, you would then follow your organization’s procedures to report the incident to a supervisor or appropriate authority. Publicly accusing someone or ignoring the behavior can cause harm, escalate the situation, and miss important context, so starting with a calm, direct conversation keeps safety and accountability at the forefront.