COMMON CAUSES OF MEDICATION ERRORS

 

When a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, 
 information such as allergies, past medical history,
 height, weight and medications taken, are all recorded.

This type of information is very important, as it will help
 the doctor when prescribing medications. It will also be
of use to the pharmacist with providing correct drug dosages.

Regardless of where a nurse works, medication administration 
 is done.The nurse who gives drugs of any kind, should take time, 
to ensure that everything is done correctly.

 Learn more: Nursing fundamentals

Helpful information for the clinical nurse
                                         

                                  

                                         

 

                               Clinical judgement         

Here are some of the ways in which medication
errors may occur:
-Misreading MD orders. If the nurse is uncertain
about an order , it is best to communicate with the
doctor or pharmacist.   
-   Poor communication of information, for example,
   when a patient is  transferred from one unit to
  another.
  - Improper dilution of medication ( always check
  the manufacturer's instructions for proper dilution). 
 - Drug incompatibility: An example - Dilantin
   can only be mixed with  Normal Saline.
- Confusing one drug with another, as some
    drugs have similar names.

 

POST ANESTHESIA CARE

WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA?

     Hypothermia is defined as a drop in core temperature
     of less than 95 Fahrenheit (35 Celsius).Regardless of
     the cause, it is considered to be life-threatening. The
     postoperative patient is at risk for hypothermia. Fluid
     loss and exposure in the surgical suite, may predispose
      to hypothermia.

     Hypothermia increases the body's demand for oxygen
     and if left untreated can lead to a myocardial infarction
      (heart attack). Trauma resulting in excessive blood loss, 
      as well as alcohol ingestion, may also lead to hypothermia.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
Symptoms include: Shivering, blue lips, decrease in level 

of consciousness and cold extremities.

Homeless people may become hypothermic,
 due to prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Alcohol ingestion may lead to hypothermia.
 This is caused by vasodilation and significant
heat loss.

THE OPERATING ROOM / THE POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT

                                               The Operating Room
 
 Prior to surgery, extreme measures are taken to prevent the
spread of infection. The surgical team spend a significant
length of time scrubbing up. In addition, sterile gowns and 
gloves are worn. Masks are used over the nose and mouth.

The operating room has been cleansed sterilely. The patient
has also been prepped, as ordered by the doctor.

    Potential problems of the surgical patient

- The surgical patient is at risk for infection, related to
  surgical intervention.

- Paralytic ileus may occur .

- Hypothermia due to fluid loss and bodily exposure
  during surgery. Hypothermia increases the body's need
  for oxygen and possibly may lead to a cardiac event.

 Warming measures are necessary.

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR

 

Dear nurses, 

Welcome to 2025.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL NURSES

Dear nurses, 

I just want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Please enjoy
my video if you can find the time: Holiday Cheer.

 

WHEN AN ERCP HAS BEEN ORDERED

Scenario: Pam has been admitted to the hospital
with complaints of abdominal pain over a period
of time. The doctor has decided to do an ERCP
( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
for this questionable abdominal pain.

This will be reflected in the care plan.

What is an ERCP?

An ERCP ( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
is a procedure that is performed using a flexible tube, with a
light at the end. The tube is called an endoscope.

It is passed from the mouth to the duodenum. Contrast dye is
injected through the endoscope. This allows the doctor to
visualize the pancreatic ducts and the surrounding organs. 

The doctor will make a diagnosis based on findings.

Preparation for ERCP (Cholangiopancreatography)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING NURSES

 

CARE PLANNING /ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS ( IN ADPIE )

 

Assessment

When a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, the medical
staff is responsible for doing an assessment so a diagnosis can
be made.

Scenario: In the scenario above, Mrs.G is admitted to the hospital
with complaints of headaches and poor coordination for the last
two weeks. The nurse takes a history and does an assessment. She 
documents her findings.

Diagnosis

The doctor examines Mrs.G and makes a diagnosis based on the
nature of the complaints. He plans to run some tests, in order to 
confirm the diagnosis. The care plan will reflect the problems 
associated with diagnosis and treatment. It is updated daily or as
changes are made by the doctor.
This topic continues here.