Medication Errors

medication error

a preventable event that can lead to harm

examples of ways medication errors can happen

• inappropriate perscribing

• extra, omitted, or wrong doses

• wrong patient, route, or time

• incorrect med preparation or technique (ex: transdermal patch done wrong)

• using deteriorated or expired medications

cuases of medication errors

• lack of knowledge, skills, or abilities

• complex regimens (ex: patient with a lot of meds)

• lack of communication or support

• unclear policies or protovcols

• unsafe work environment (ex: working w 12 pts on ICU unit = bound to make mistakes)

how to prevent medication errors

• critical thinking

• 3 checks

• 9 rights

• CPOE, bar coding, automatic dispensing, unit dosing

• MEDIWATCH = database for med errors to help manufacturers

• pharmacist on staff on clinical unit

what to do if you catch a medication error

1. assess patient condition, make sure theyre ok

2. notify healthcare team

3. report the incident per facility policy

to prevent medication errors, we should be aware of ___

SALADS (sound alike, look alike drugs)

ex: klonopin vs clondine

why do we have specific medication disposal?

can cause heart to the environment or fall into the wrong hands

how do we dispose medications?

according to agency policy

• protect yourself and others

drug take-back locations

safe drop-off spots where you can get rid of unused or expired meds (including many controlled substances) so they don’t get misused or trashed the wrong way