Podcast
Questions and Answers
What should be avoided when writing prescriptions to reduce errors?
What should be avoided when writing prescriptions to reduce errors?
- Writing complete information
- Using generic and brand names
- Using computers
- Illegible handwriting (correct)
What should be included in patient-specific data to reduce prescribing errors?
What should be included in patient-specific data to reduce prescribing errors?
- Age and weight only
- Age, weight, allergies, medical history, and laboratory test results (correct)
- Allergies and medical history only
- Only patient's name and concurrent medications
Why should 'QD' or 'OD' not be used to represent the word 'daily'?
Why should 'QD' or 'OD' not be used to represent the word 'daily'?
- Because they can be confused with other abbreviations (correct)
- Because they are not abbreviations
- Because they are only used in specific hospitals
- Because they are not commonly used
What is the correct way to write 0.5 g when prescribing?
What is the correct way to write 0.5 g when prescribing?
Why should 'µg' be avoided when representing microgram?
Why should 'µg' be avoided when representing microgram?
What should be done when writing drug names to reduce errors?
What should be done when writing drug names to reduce errors?
What should be done when writing decimals to reduce errors?
What should be done when writing decimals to reduce errors?
Why should 'look-alike' or 'sound-alike' drug names be avoided?
Why should 'look-alike' or 'sound-alike' drug names be avoided?
What is a key responsibility of nurses in administration of medication?
What is a key responsibility of nurses in administration of medication?
What is the main purpose of the '5 Rs' in medication administration?
What is the main purpose of the '5 Rs' in medication administration?
What should nurses do to confirm a patient's identity before administering medication?
What should nurses do to confirm a patient's identity before administering medication?
What is a common cause of medication administration errors?
What is a common cause of medication administration errors?
Why is it important to check the frequency of the ordered medication?
Why is it important to check the frequency of the ordered medication?
What should nurses do to reduce medication administration errors?
What should nurses do to reduce medication administration errors?
Why is it important to confirm the appropriateness of the medication dose?
Why is it important to confirm the appropriateness of the medication dose?
What is a key aspect of documenting medication administration?
What is a key aspect of documenting medication administration?
What information should be included when taking a thorough medication history?
What information should be included when taking a thorough medication history?
What type of medications require extra attention during dosage calculations?
What type of medications require extra attention during dosage calculations?
What is the purpose of a medication reconciliation form?
What is the purpose of a medication reconciliation form?
Why is it important to use patient-specific information during dosage calculations?
Why is it important to use patient-specific information during dosage calculations?
What should be avoided when giving verbal orders?
What should be avoided when giving verbal orders?
What is the benefit of using standardized concentrations for all IV medications?
What is the benefit of using standardized concentrations for all IV medications?
What type of medications are examples of high alert medications?
What type of medications are examples of high alert medications?
Why is it important to enquire about recently ceased medications?
Why is it important to enquire about recently ceased medications?
What is the purpose of dispensing a unit of use?
What is the purpose of dispensing a unit of use?
What should be included in a medication history, apart from prescription medications?
What should be included in a medication history, apart from prescription medications?
Which patient population is more susceptible to medication errors due to communication barriers?
Which patient population is more susceptible to medication errors due to communication barriers?
What is a common staff factor that contributes to medication errors?
What is a common staff factor that contributes to medication errors?
What is a design factor that can contribute to medication errors in the workplace?
What is a design factor that can contribute to medication errors in the workplace?
What is a way to make medication use safer?
What is a way to make medication use safer?
Why is it important to learn and practice collecting complete medication histories?
Why is it important to learn and practice collecting complete medication histories?
What should be remembered when prescribing and administering medications?
What should be remembered when prescribing and administering medications?
Why is it important to develop checking habits and report errors?
Why is it important to develop checking habits and report errors?
What is the overall goal of using medications wisely and correctly?
What is the overall goal of using medications wisely and correctly?
Who is typically responsible for administering medication?
Who is typically responsible for administering medication?
What is an essential step in the medication prescription process?
What is an essential step in the medication prescription process?
What is a common source of error in prescribing?
What is a common source of error in prescribing?
What is an example of a mathematical error in prescribing?
What is an example of a mathematical error in prescribing?
What should a physician consider when choosing a medication?
What should a physician consider when choosing a medication?
What is an important aspect of documenting a medication prescription?
What is an important aspect of documenting a medication prescription?
What is a potential error in the medication administration process?
What is a potential error in the medication administration process?
What is a benefit of clear communication in the medication prescription process?
What is a benefit of clear communication in the medication prescription process?
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Study Notes
Medication Use Process
- Medication prescription is a physician-related process involving choosing an appropriate medication, selecting the administration route, dose, time, and regimen, and documenting the plan.
Prescribing Errors
- Sources of error in prescribing include:
- Inadequate knowledge about drug indications and contraindications
- Not considering individual patient factors (e.g., allergies, pregnancy, comorbidities, other medications)
- Illegible handwriting
- Mathematical errors when calculating dosage
- Incomplete or ambiguous documentation
- Inadequate communication
- Incorrect data entry when using computerized prescribing
Strategies to Reduce Prescribing Errors
- Write complete and clear information, including patient-specific data and medication details
- Avoid using abbreviations and symbols
- Use computers for prescribing
- Be alert to "look-alike" or "sound-alike" drug names
- Learn and practice thorough medication history taking
- Know the high-alert medications
Medication Administration
- Administration involves obtaining the medication in a ready-to-use form, checking for allergies, and giving the right medication to the right patient, in the right dose, via the right route, at the right time.
- Documentation is essential for administration.
Administration Errors
- Errors can occur due to:
- Wrong patient, route, time, dose, or drug
- Omission or failure to administer
- Inadequate documentation
Strategies to Reduce Administration Errors
- Follow the 7 Rs (right patient, medication, route, time, dose, and documentation, and checking for allergies)
- Be familiar with the institution's policies and procedures
- Use preprinted and standardized labels and infusion devices
- Be aware of patients who cannot communicate well
Factors Contributing to Medication Errors
- Staff factors include:
- Inexperience, rushing, and fatigue
- Lack of checking and double checking habits
- Poor teamwork and communication
- Workplace design factors include:
- Absence of a safety culture
- Inadequate staff numbers
- Absence of memory aids for staff
Making Medication Use Safer
- Ways to make medication use safer include:
- Using generic names where appropriate
- Tailoring prescribing for individual patients
- Learning and practicing thorough medication history taking
- Knowing high-risk medications and taking precautions
- Being familiar with the medications you prescribe
- Using memory aids and communicating clearly
- Developing checking habits and reporting errors
- Encouraging patients to be actively involved
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