Some medication errors change a patient’s outcome , but the change does not result in any harm. Other medication errors have the potential to cause harm, but they do not actually cause harm. Serious medication errors that are not intercepted, however, will actually harm the patient.
What to do if a medication error occurs?
If the patient tells you it is the wrong medication or treatment, stop and check the order . Check physician orders for changes, and if you are unsure of a dosage, ask another nurse or the pharmacist to double-check your calculations. Double check to makes sure equipment alarms are set appropriately.
What are the consequences of medication errors?
Consequences faced by physicians after medication errors can include loss of patient trust, civil actions, criminal charges, and medical board discipline .
What happens when administered the wrong medication?
Dispensing the wrong drug can cause great harm
Missing a dose of a drug due to a nurse’s failure to administer it could result in the failure of the patient’s entire treatment regimen. The immediate medical consequences of medication errors might include the formation of blood clots or a failed surgical procedure .
What happens when nurses make medication errors?
For a nurse who makes a medication error, consequences may include disciplinary action by the state board of nursing, job dismissal, mental anguish, and possible civil or criminal charges .
What are examples of medication errors?
- Prescribing.
- Omission.
- Wrong time.
- Unauthorized drug.
- Improper dose.
- Wrong dose prescription/wrong dose preparation.
- Administration errors including the incorrect route of administration, giving the drug to the wrong patient, extra dose or wrong rate.
Can you sue for medication errors?
When a patient suffers an injury as a result of a medication error, they may have the right to file a medical malpractice lawsuit ; however, not every complication or medical mistake warrants legal action. Negligence must be directly responsible for the injury for a malpractice claim to be valid.
What is the most common type of medication error?
The most common types of reported medication errors were inappropriate dosage and infusion rate [Figure 1]. The most common causes of medication errors were using abbreviations (instead of full names of drugs) in prescriptions and similarities in drug names.
What are the top 5 medical errors?
- Misdiagnosis. Errors in diagnosis are one of the most common medical mistakes. ...
- Medication Errors. Medication errors are one of the most common mistakes that can occur during treatment. ...
- Infections. ...
- Falls. ...
- Being Sent Home Too Early.
How can medication errors be prevented?
- Ensure the five rights of medication administration. ...
- Follow proper medication reconciliation procedures. ...
- Double check—or even triple check—procedures. ...
- Have the physician (or another nurse) read it back. ...
- Consider using a name alert.
Who is responsible for medication errors?
This type of prescription drug error is usually the fault of the pharmacist . It is generally the pharmacist’s job to keep track of a patient’s allergies and all medications the patient is taking (to avoid harmful interactions between more than one medication), although your doctor should have this information as well.
Can a nurse go to jail for a mistake?
There are several types of crimes for which nurses may be charged as a result of a nursing error. ... A felony is a serious crime (contrasted with misdemeanors and infractions, less serious crimes), usually punishable by a prison term of more than 1 year or, in some cases, by death.
Why do nurses not report medication errors?
Nurses are afraid of being considered as professionals who make a lot of mistakes, because it undermines the reputation of their profession. ... It is estimated that about 95% of medication errors are not reported due to the fear of punishment . 33 . In the study by Hashemi et al.
Why is it important to report medication errors?
Introduction: Medication errors have significant implications on patient safety. Error detection through an active management and effective reporting system discloses medication errors and encourages safe practices.
How do you detect medication errors?
The major methods for detecting medication errors and associated adverse drug-related events are chart review, computerized monitoring, administrative databases, and claims data , using direct observation, incident reporting, and patient monitoring. All of these methods have both advantages and limitations.
What are the three common causes of medication errors APD?
- Inadequate nursing home staff.
- Errors when writing or reading prescriptions.
- Not providing food, water or antacids.
