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.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

                               Regardless of where a nurse works, medication administration
                                is done.The nurse who gives drugs of any kind, should take the
            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 manufacturer's
  instructions for proper dilution).            
                                             - Drug incompatibility ; an example, is 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.