What should a CMA do after administering a medication?

After administering a medication, it is essential for a CMA to document the administration in the patient's chart. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it provides a record of what medication was given, the dose, the time of administration, and any observations made during the process. Accurate documentation is crucial for ensuring continuity of care, as it informs other healthcare providers about what has been administered and helps prevent medication errors.

Additionally, proper documentation can aid in monitoring the patient's response to the medication and can be important in case of any adverse reactions. This practice enhances the accountability and reliability of the CMA’s work within the healthcare team and ensures the patient’s safety and wellbeing are prioritized.

The other options, while they may involve relevant considerations, do not take precedence in the protocol following medication administration. For instance, while feedback from the patient can provide valuable insights into their response to the medication, it is not standard protocol to seek their feedback immediately after administration instead of documenting the action taken. Similarly, discarding medication packaging and changing scheduled follow-up medications are actions that may have their place at different stages but should not detract from the immediate importance of documentation.