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

 Here are some of the ways in which 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 is mixed with
Normal Saline.                          
- Confusing one drug with another, as some drugs have similar
  names.
- Distraction, like having a conversation while administering
 medications .             
 - Forgetting to document medications when given.                                              

      

Clinical judgement