What is a medication error?
Any variation from what the provider intended for the client.
What is the best protection against medication errors?
Strictly following the rights of medication administration.
What is an example of a wrong?medication error?
Administering a medication intended for another client.
What is an example of a wrong?strength error?
Giving a medication in a higher or lower concentration than prescribed.
What is an example of an IV?related medication error?
Infusing the wrong IV fluid or diluting a medication incorrectly.
What is a common calculation?related medication error?
Incorrectly calculating the dose or infusion rate.
What is a route?related medication error?
Giving a medication by the wrong route.
What is a time?related medication error?
Administering a medication earlier or later than prescribed.
What is an allergy?related medication error?
Giving a medication when the record shows the client is allergic.
What is an omission error?
Failing to give a scheduled dose.
Why is giving expired medication an error?
It may be ineffective or unsafe.
What is an example of a discontinuation error?
Stopping a medication or IV infusion incorrectly.
What is a prescribing error?
When the provider orders the wrong medication or dose.
Why must nurses check every prescription for accuracy?
To ensure the medication is appropriate and within safe dosage ranges.
What is a transcription error?
Misreading or miswriting a prescription.
What is an example of look?alike medications?
Cycloserine vs. cyclosporine.
What is an example of sound?alike medications?
Cetirizine vs. sertraline.
What is the safety requirement for verbal prescriptions?
Read the prescription back to the provider.
What is a dispensing error?
When the pharmacy provides the wrong medication, wrong dose, or expired medication.
What is the nurse’s first priority after discovering a medication error?
Assess the client for adverse reactions and intervene.
Who should be notified after a medication error?
The provider and the nurse manager.
What should the nurse reflect on after an error?
What contributed to the error and how to prevent recurrence.
When should an incident report be completed?
After the client’s immediate needs are addressed.
What should be included in an incident report?
Objective facts, medication details, actions taken, and witness information.
