How to Prevent Medication Errors in Nursing
Utilize at least 2 identifiers that are specific to the patient before administering medication., Ask the patient about allergies and reactions to medications before any new medication is administered., Avoid abbreviations, which can be easily...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Utilize at least 2 identifiers that are specific to the patient before administering medication.
For example, along with the patient's name, ask for his date of birth to make sure the prescription matches the patient.
Have a system to identify those patients who have similar names.
It can be as simple as a special sticker or marker on the patient's chart.
In these instances, another identifier may be needed to avoid medication errors. -
Step 2: Ask the patient about allergies and reactions to medications before any new medication is administered.
Include this information in her chart. ,, Those patients with kidney, liver and psychiatric diseases, as well as diabetes mellitus fall under this category.
You should also document whether or not the patient is pregnant or has completed a pregnancy test, and the patient's smoking or alcohol use.
Her medical history on these issues can help in medication decision-making, including dose and frequency. , This should be documented on the same location on his chart so it's easy to locate.
Not only should you document prescribed medications, but any over-the-counter medicines or vitamins, the dose and frequency. , For example, in the U.S., the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has a list of such medications deemed to be "high alert." These drugs should be committed to memory and red-flagged when taking the patient's medication history. , Most of the drugs that sound similar or are spelled similarly to another drug have different uses.
For example, the drug Celebrex is commonly used to treat arthritis while the similarly named Cerebyx is used to treat seizures. , Make sure to read each number individually such as "1-5" instead of 15 to help prevent errors in dosage. , Make sure the drug storage area is well organized.
Go through your medication storage area at least quarterly.
Discard any expired medication and make sure medication labels are easy to read and facing forward on the shelf. , Purchase the latest editions of drug reference resources such as the "Merck Manual" or "Drug Facts and Comparisons." Look to the Institute For Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) for continuing education classes and their newsletter for further tips on how to prevent medication errors in nursing. -
Step 3: Avoid abbreviations
-
Step 4: which can be easily misinterpreted when documenting medication allergies.
-
Step 5: Pay close attention to the patient's critical diagnoses which can affect not only the selection of medication but also dose and frequency.
-
Step 6: Note the patient's current medication regimen and update the list at each doctor's visit.
-
Step 7: Recognize which medications could cause serious harm if administered incorrectly.
-
Step 8: Learn and decipher drug names that are similar.
-
Step 9: Repeat the order when calling prescriptions into a pharmacy for a patient.
-
Step 10: Store "high alert" or similar-sounding drugs in separate areas so they won't be easily confused.
-
Step 11: Keep current on new information relating to prescription medications and their reactions.
Detailed Guide
For example, along with the patient's name, ask for his date of birth to make sure the prescription matches the patient.
Have a system to identify those patients who have similar names.
It can be as simple as a special sticker or marker on the patient's chart.
In these instances, another identifier may be needed to avoid medication errors.
Include this information in her chart. ,, Those patients with kidney, liver and psychiatric diseases, as well as diabetes mellitus fall under this category.
You should also document whether or not the patient is pregnant or has completed a pregnancy test, and the patient's smoking or alcohol use.
Her medical history on these issues can help in medication decision-making, including dose and frequency. , This should be documented on the same location on his chart so it's easy to locate.
Not only should you document prescribed medications, but any over-the-counter medicines or vitamins, the dose and frequency. , For example, in the U.S., the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has a list of such medications deemed to be "high alert." These drugs should be committed to memory and red-flagged when taking the patient's medication history. , Most of the drugs that sound similar or are spelled similarly to another drug have different uses.
For example, the drug Celebrex is commonly used to treat arthritis while the similarly named Cerebyx is used to treat seizures. , Make sure to read each number individually such as "1-5" instead of 15 to help prevent errors in dosage. , Make sure the drug storage area is well organized.
Go through your medication storage area at least quarterly.
Discard any expired medication and make sure medication labels are easy to read and facing forward on the shelf. , Purchase the latest editions of drug reference resources such as the "Merck Manual" or "Drug Facts and Comparisons." Look to the Institute For Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) for continuing education classes and their newsletter for further tips on how to prevent medication errors in nursing.
About the Author
Natalie Kim
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: