What should you do if you see a coworker taking medication from the dispense cart?

When encountering a situation in which a coworker is observed taking medication from the dispense cart, the appropriate action is to report the incident immediately. This underscores the importance of maintaining a safe and ethical workplace environment, particularly in healthcare settings where medication management is crucial to patient safety and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Confronting the coworker and offering to help, while seemingly supportive, may not be the most effective approach. This action could create interpersonal conflict or inhibit proper reporting procedures. It's important to acknowledge that situations involving potential medication theft or misuse require immediate official intervention to safeguard both patients and staff. Direct confrontation may lead to various complications, including jeopardizing the investigation or the well-being of the coworker involved, who may need professional help.

Reporting the incident promptly allows for a controlled response, ensuring that proper protocol is followed, which might include evaluating the situation further, conducting an investigation, and providing support to the individual if necessary.