Medication errors Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is a medication error?
A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.
True or False: Medication errors can only occur during the prescribing stage.
False
Name one type of medication error.
Administration error
What are the three main types of medication errors?
Prescribing errors, administration errors, and dispensing errors.
Fill in the blank: The majority of medication errors occur during the ______ stage.
administration
What is the most common cause of medication errors?
Human factors, including lack of knowledge and miscommunication.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a cause of medication errors? A) Poor communication B) Inadequate training C) Patient compliance D) Work overload
C) Patient compliance
What should be done immediately after a medication error is identified?
The nurse should assess the patient for any adverse effects and notify the healthcare provider.
True or False: Documentation of a medication error is not necessary if the patient is unharmed.
False
What is the purpose of documenting medication errors?
To provide a record for quality improvement and to prevent future errors.
Fill in the blank: A medication error report should include ______, ______, and ______.
the nature of the error, patient response, and corrective actions taken.
What is a ‘near miss’ in the context of medication errors?
A near miss is an error that did not reach the patient but had the potential to cause harm.
Multiple Choice: Which is an example of a prescribing error? A) Administering the wrong dosage B) Writing an illegible prescription C) Administering medication without checking allergies D) All of the above
D) All of the above
What role does communication play in preventing medication errors?
Effective communication among healthcare team members is crucial to ensure accurate medication prescribing and administration.
True or False: Only nurses are responsible for medication errors.
False
What should nurses do if they are unsure about a medication order?
Nurses should clarify the order with the prescriber before administering the medication.
Fill in the blank: The ‘five rights’ of medication administration are right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and ______.
right time
What is the significance of medication reconciliation?
Medication reconciliation helps to prevent errors by ensuring accurate and complete medication information across transitions of care.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following strategies can help reduce medication errors? A) Standardized protocols B) Increased workload C) Lack of training D) Ignoring patient allergies
A) Standardized protocols
What is one potential consequence of medication errors?
Adverse drug events, which can lead to patient harm or increased healthcare costs.
Fill in the blank: A systematic approach to reducing medication errors includes ______, ______, and ______.
education, technology use, and policy development.
What technology can help minimize medication errors?
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and computerized physician order entry (CPOE).
True or False: Medication errors are only a concern in hospital settings.
False
