S1) Safe Prescribing and Medication Errors Flashcards Preview

(LUSUMA) Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics > S1) Safe Prescribing and Medication Errors > Flashcards

Flashcards in S1) Safe Prescribing and Medication Errors Deck (8)
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1
Q

What are the three types of problems that lead to medication errors?

A
  • Patient-related problems
  • Pharmaceutical problems
  • Doctor-related problems
2
Q

Describe two patient-related problems leading to poor prescribing

A
  • Increasing population i.e. patient numbers
  • More elderly patients with co-morbidities (renal/hepatic), multiple drugs and increased risk of side effects
3
Q

Describe three pharmaceutical problems leading to poor prescribing

A
  • New drug developments
  • Some side effects only occur during post-marketing surveillance
  • Blind adherence to guidelines (contraindications / serious interactions)
4
Q

Describe four doctor-related problems leading to poor prescribing

A
  • Increased specialisation
  • Increased used of medicines generally
  • Increased complexity of medical care
  • Exhaustion
5
Q

In three steps, explain how compound errors can occur when prescribing on-call

A

Errors more likely to occur:

⇒ Rarely know patient

⇒ Prescribe new unfamiliar drugs

⇒ Prescribe old drugs in absence of results

6
Q

Before writing a prescription, what 9 things should one confirm?

A
  • Name of drug(s)
  • Dose
  • Strength
  • Frequency
  • Duration of treatment
  • Allergies/adverse effects
  • Indication
  • Adherence
  • GMC Guidance

Mnemonic: Now Daniel Says Feathery Ducks Are as Interesting As Goats

7
Q

Identify the seven features of good practice requirements for prescribing drugs

A
  • Approved drug name
  • Route of administration
  • Dose
  • Strength
  • Units in full
  • Frequency
  • Special (additional) instructions
8
Q

What is a serious reaction?

A
  • A serious reaction is any reaction which results in/prolongs hospitalisation
  • They can be fatal, life-threatening, disabling or incapacitating