Chapter 12-Medication Errors Flashcards
Define medication error
A medication error is inappropriate use of a medication that can lead to patient harm
this can include
Incorrect communication of a dose or administration of an incorrect dose
an estimate of ___ million people in the United States are harmed each year do the medication errors in hospitals, extended care facilities, and outpatient clinics
1.5 million
List the three different types of error
Rules based error
Knowledge based error
Skills based error
give an example of rules based error
Administration of a medication that is outside of ones scope of practice is rules based error
give an example of knowledge based error
Choosing the wrong medication to administer is knowledge based error
give an example of a skills based error
Using incorrect equipment or incorrect procedure for administering a medication is skills based error
how can you ensure that the environment does not contribute to errors?
Ensure that lighting is sufficient, the equipment is organized, and that distractions are limited as much as possible
If a medication error does take place what should be your first step?
you should rapidly provide any appropriate patient care that is required
after providing appropriate patient care what should be your next step
You should notify medical control as swiftly as possible
after you notify medical control, which should be your third step
Follow your local protocols and document the incident thoroughly accurately and honestly
additionally, you should talk with
Your partner supervisor or medical director
Talking to these individuals is an opportunity to
Prevent such errors in the future, these discussions can help identify areas for your agency to target during quality improvement
