Pharmacology- drug errors

Question 1

What should always be checked before prescribing a drug?

Answer 1

• Age
• Weight
• Renal and hepatic function
• Concurrent diseases
• Laboratory test results
• Concurrent medications
• Allergies
• Medical/Surgical/Family History
• Pregnancy

Question 2

What factors could lead to increased drug error in the medical field?

Answer 2

• More rapid throughput of patients
• New drug developments, extending medicines into new areas
• Increasing complexity of medical care
• Increased specialisation
• Increased use of medicines generally
• Sicker and older patients, more vulnerable to adverse effects

Question 3

The 5 Rs

Answer 3

• Right patient
• Right medication
• Right dose
• Right route of administration
• Right time

Question 4

Who is most at risk of drug errors?

Answer 4

• Those undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, or neurosurgery
• Those with complex conditions
• Those in the emergency room
• Those looked after by inexperienced doctors
• Older patients