Common IV Administration Errors and Prevention Strategies

A set of flashcards covering common IV administration errors, methods, safety practices, and prevention strategies.

Common IV administration errors

Include incorrect dosage, wrong medication or patient, wrong rate of infusion, drug incompatibility, and equipment-related issues.

Wrong dose or medication

Administering an incorrect amount, concentration, or the wrong drug altogether, leading to potential harm.

Dose omission or timing errors

Missing a scheduled dose or infusing it at the wrong time, which can reduce efficacy or cause complications.

Incorrect rate or frequency

Giving medications too quickly or slowly, or at wrong intervals, causing toxic effects or subtherapeutic responses.

Mixing incompatibilities

Combining drugs or solutions that interact negatively, causing precipitation or loss of activity.

Pump programming and equipment errors

Incorrect settings or failure to use the correct tubing and accessories leading to delivery issues.

Double-check protocols

Require an independent double check for high-risk drugs to verify patient, medication, dose, rate, and route.

Standardize practices

Use premixed solutions, smart pumps, and bar-coding systems to minimize calculation and transcription errors.

IV Medication Administration

Involves delivering drugs, fluids, or nutrients directly into a patient's vein for rapid and controlled therapeutic effects.

Continuous Infusion

Steady delivery of fluids or medications over a prolonged period, useful for maintaining consistent plasma levels.

IV Push (Bolus)

Single concentrated dose administered rapidly via syringe, used for emergencies or swift therapeutic action.

IV Piggyback (IVPB)

Secondary medication administered via a secondary line attached above a main infusion, commonly used for antibiotics.

Safety and Best Practices

Includes verifying the 'six/eight rights' of medication administration, hand hygiene, and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Aseptic technique

Hand washing, glove application, and proper equipment preparation necessary to prevent infections.

Common Types of IV Medications

Include antibiotics for severe infections, electrolytes for imbalances, pain medications, chemotherapeutics, and fluids.

Checklist for Preventing IV Administration Errors

A systematic approach that includes reviewing orders, assessing contraindications, and verifying medication accuracy.

Final Safety Steps

Independent double-checks, labeling syringes, and documenting errors to ensure patient safety during IV administration.