package node-jsonparse 1.3.1-7 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration

this error came up with installing npm

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 20.04
Package: node-jsonparse 1.3.1-7
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 5.13.0-28.31~20.04.1-generic 5.13.19
Uname: Linux 5.13.0-28-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.20.11-0ubuntu27.18
Architecture: amd64
CasperMD5CheckResult: skip
Date: Tue Feb 15 21:43:42 2022
ErrorMessage: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
InstallationDate: Installed on 2022-02-15 (0 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS "Focal Fossa" - Release amd64 (20210819)
PackageArchitecture: all
Python3Details: /usr/bin/python3.8, Python 3.8.10, python3-minimal, 3.8.2-0ubuntu2
PythonDetails: N/A
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.19.7ubuntu3
 apt 2.0.6
SourcePackage: node-jsonparse
Title: package node-jsonparse 1.3.1-7 failed to install/upgrade: package is in a very bad inconsistent state; you should reinstall it before attempting configuration
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)