Podcast
Questions and Answers
Errors are always caught before they can possibly hurt someone.
Errors are always caught before they can possibly hurt someone.
False
Pharmacy technicians are at the forefront in the effort to prevent drug errors.
Pharmacy technicians are at the forefront in the effort to prevent drug errors.
True
Combined sources suggest that more than 400,000 people per year suffer some type of preventable adverse event while in the hospital that contributes to their death.
Combined sources suggest that more than 400,000 people per year suffer some type of preventable adverse event while in the hospital that contributes to their death.
True
All drug errors cause harm to the patient.
All drug errors cause harm to the patient.
Signup and view all the answers
One common cause of medication error is illegible handwriting.
One common cause of medication error is illegible handwriting.
Signup and view all the answers
Medication errors only occur in hospital settings.
Medication errors only occur in hospital settings.
Signup and view all the answers
Even the most highly skilled person will make errors at one time or another.
Even the most highly skilled person will make errors at one time or another.
Signup and view all the answers
One of the most serious types of errors is with parenteral medications.
One of the most serious types of errors is with parenteral medications.
Signup and view all the answers
A delayed-release drug may be substituted for an extended-release drug.
A delayed-release drug may be substituted for an extended-release drug.
Signup and view all the answers
Many physicians use e-prescribing or computerized physician order entry to circumvent pharmacies having to decipher poor handwriting.
Many physicians use e-prescribing or computerized physician order entry to circumvent pharmacies having to decipher poor handwriting.
Signup and view all the answers
The most important aspect of dealing with errors is the reporting process.
The most important aspect of dealing with errors is the reporting process.
Signup and view all the answers
A drug error cannot be reported anonymously.
A drug error cannot be reported anonymously.
Signup and view all the answers
Misinterpreted abbreviations have resulted in drug errors and are an area of concern.
Misinterpreted abbreviations have resulted in drug errors and are an area of concern.
Signup and view all the answers
One of the best ways that errors are decreased is through trial and error.
One of the best ways that errors are decreased is through trial and error.
Signup and view all the answers
It is imperative that every healthcare worker view drug error prevention as a priority.
It is imperative that every healthcare worker view drug error prevention as a priority.
Signup and view all the answers
According to a Health and Human Services report, bad hospital care contributes to the deaths of _______ patients on Medicare in a given year.
According to a Health and Human Services report, bad hospital care contributes to the deaths of _______ patients on Medicare in a given year.
Signup and view all the answers
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) estimates that around _______ deaths per year are linked to actual medication errors.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) estimates that around _______ deaths per year are linked to actual medication errors.
Signup and view all the answers
Which drug is NOT an example of an ISMP high-alert medication?
Which drug is NOT an example of an ISMP high-alert medication?
Signup and view all the answers
Most reported medication errors are made in what type of setting?
Most reported medication errors are made in what type of setting?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT an example of the daily obstructions encountered by pharmacy personnel?
Which of the following is NOT an example of the daily obstructions encountered by pharmacy personnel?
Signup and view all the answers
Anticoagulants such as warfarin have the potential for many interactions with:
Anticoagulants such as warfarin have the potential for many interactions with:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following drugs is of great concern as a cause of error because it is commonly used to flush IV lines?
Which of the following drugs is of great concern as a cause of error because it is commonly used to flush IV lines?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a category that USP defines for a modified release formulation?
Which of the following is a category that USP defines for a modified release formulation?
Signup and view all the answers
Receiving care in the home also carries the risk of:
Receiving care in the home also carries the risk of:
Signup and view all the answers
Life expectancy in the United States has risen in the past century as a result of:
Life expectancy in the United States has risen in the past century as a result of:
Signup and view all the answers
Pharmacy technicians should always check each prescription _____ throughout the filling process.
Pharmacy technicians should always check each prescription _____ throughout the filling process.
Signup and view all the answers
Many pharmacies fill upwards of:
Many pharmacies fill upwards of:
Signup and view all the answers
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has reported that more than _____ of all errors in hospitals are caused by poor communication of medication orders.
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has reported that more than _____ of all errors in hospitals are caused by poor communication of medication orders.
Signup and view all the answers
What three steps are involved in medication reconciliation?
What three steps are involved in medication reconciliation?
Signup and view all the answers
The ability to catch mistakes before they occur will always be the responsibility of the personnel involved in the prescribing, _____, and dosing of medications.
The ability to catch mistakes before they occur will always be the responsibility of the personnel involved in the prescribing, _____, and dosing of medications.
Signup and view all the answers
Failure to administer an ordered dose to a patient before the next dose is due, without an apparent reason or appropriate documentation is known as:
Failure to administer an ordered dose to a patient before the next dose is due, without an apparent reason or appropriate documentation is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
Medication administered in a dosage form other than what was ordered is called:
Medication administered in a dosage form other than what was ordered is called:
Signup and view all the answers
Failure to review a prescribed medication for proper regimen, appropriateness, and dosage, or failure in using laboratory results to correctly adjust dose is known as:
Failure to review a prescribed medication for proper regimen, appropriateness, and dosage, or failure in using laboratory results to correctly adjust dose is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
Patient administered a dose that is greater or less than prescribed amount is known as:
Patient administered a dose that is greater or less than prescribed amount is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
Drug is given using wrong procedure or technique is referred to as:
Drug is given using wrong procedure or technique is referred to as:
Signup and view all the answers
Medication administered outside scheduled time frame is known as:
Medication administered outside scheduled time frame is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
Drug is incorrectly formulated or manipulated, and medication is administered to patient is termed:
Drug is incorrectly formulated or manipulated, and medication is administered to patient is termed:
Signup and view all the answers
Prescriber orders a medication that is incorrect or is selected incorrectly based on indications or contraindications, and medication reaches patient is known as:
Prescriber orders a medication that is incorrect or is selected incorrectly based on indications or contraindications, and medication reaches patient is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
Medication is administered that has expired or integrity of ingredients has been compromised is referred to as:
Medication is administered that has expired or integrity of ingredients has been compromised is referred to as:
Signup and view all the answers
Patient does not adhere to prescribed medication regimen is called:
Patient does not adhere to prescribed medication regimen is called:
Signup and view all the answers
Medication administered to a patient from an unauthorized prescriber; physician not licensed in that state or not an authorized prescriber is known as:
Medication administered to a patient from an unauthorized prescriber; physician not licensed in that state or not an authorized prescriber is known as:
Signup and view all the answers
List five basic rights involving medication safety.
List five basic rights involving medication safety.
Signup and view all the answers
Why would a patient try to use medical supplies intended for a single use more than once, and what risks are associated with this practice?
Why would a patient try to use medical supplies intended for a single use more than once, and what risks are associated with this practice?
Signup and view all the answers
The FDA has recommended new labeling on over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications for children. What does the new label say?
The FDA has recommended new labeling on over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications for children. What does the new label say?
Signup and view all the answers
List the five guidelines used to share information with healthcare professionals about potentially dangerous events.
List the five guidelines used to share information with healthcare professionals about potentially dangerous events.
Signup and view all the answers
List three forms of identification provided by bar codes.
List three forms of identification provided by bar codes.
Signup and view all the answers
List five safety standards outlined by the Joint Commission to improve patient quality and safety.
List five safety standards outlined by the Joint Commission to improve patient quality and safety.
Signup and view all the answers
List six strategies a pharmacy technician can use to help reduce errors.
List six strategies a pharmacy technician can use to help reduce errors.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Medication Errors
- Errors are not always caught before reaching patients, highlighting the need for vigilant error prevention strategies.
- Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in preventing medication errors.
- Over 400,000 preventable adverse events contribute to hospital deaths annually.
- Not all medication errors result in patient harm, and errors can happen outside pharmacy settings.
Common Causes of Errors
- Illegible handwriting is a frequent cause of medication errors.
- E-prescribing and computerized physician order entry mitigate issues caused by poor handwriting.
- Misinterpreted abbreviations can lead to significant drug errors.
Error Reporting and Accountability
- Reporting medication errors is vital, with the process allowing anonymity which encourages voluntary participation.
- A significant percentage of hospital errors (over 50%) arise from poor communication relating to medication orders.
- Continuous error reporting and monitoring are essential for improving medication safety.
Types of Medication Errors
- Omission errors occur when a prescribed dose is not given in time.
- Wrong dosage form errors arise when the medication is administered in a form other than prescribed.
- Deteriorated drug errors happen when expired medications or compromised ingredients are used.
Anticoagulants and High-Alert Medications
- Anticoagulants like warfarin can interact with several substances, necessitating careful monitoring.
- Heparin is notably problematic as it is commonly used to flush IV lines, increasing the risk of errors.
- The Institute for Safe Medication Practices highlights certain drugs (like warfarin, methotrexate, potassium chloride) as high-alert medications.
Patient Safety Standards
- The Joint Commission emphasizes leadership accountability, a competent workforce, patient safety environments, effective clinical care, and quality improvement.
- Five basic rights ensure medication safety: the right patient, medication, dose, route, and time.
Home Care Risks
- Home care involves risks such as improper dosing and contamination of intravenous setups.
Compliance and Communication
- Patients may not comply with prescribed regimens, potentially leading to compliance errors.
- Clear communication of potentially dangerous events is facilitated through knowledge, analysis, education, cooperation, and communication.
FDA Guidelines
- New FDA labels for OTC medications caution against dosing children under four and recommend consultation for ages 4 to 6.
Error Reduction Strategies
- Strategies for pharmacy technicians include safe dispensing practices, using metric measurements, patient education, and adhering strictly to guidelines for high-alert medications.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on medication safety and error prevention with this quiz based on Chapter 14. Learn about the role of pharmacy technicians and the impact of drug errors on patient safety. Can you distinguish between true and false statements in this critical area of healthcare?
