Med administration safety Flashcards
What are contributing factors to med errors?
Look/sound alike medications IV infusion pump admin errors Distractions Knowledge deficit Calc errors Polypharmacy Pressure Unclear labeling of drugs
What are types of errors?
Wrong drug Wrong patient Wrong dose Wrong time Wrong route Wrong documentation Overdose Underdose Lack of drug Unnecessary drug
What does DR TIMED stand for?
Right: Dose Route Time Individual Medication Evaluation/Education/Expiration Documentation
What are the three med checks?
Med label to MAR atPyxis.
Med label to MAR as it’s prepared
Med label to MAR at bedside
What are tips for the right dose?
Know usual dosage ranges
Double-check calculations
If pediatric pt, have someone else do it
Placing zeroes to the left - 0.5 vs. 5.0
Do not crush or cut sustained-release, enteric coated, buccal or sublingual drugs
Follow your agency’s policy for reporting med errors.
What are tips for the right route?
Assess pt can take meds this way
Ensure route is safe & appropriate.
Notify provider of pt condition change (PO -> NPO)
Review the available forms of med to make sure med can be given according to the order.
When in doubt, look it up, or call the Pharmacy.
What are tips for the right time?
Is is the right time?
Start preparing early!
1-hr window does not apply to PRN meds
What are the other 4 rights?
Right to: Refuse Assessment Education Evaluation
What are some basic principles?
Don’t give drugs prepped by someone else
Don’t allow prepped meds out of sight
Don’t leave drugs at bedside
Observe pt during med admin.
If patient if giving med to self, make sure technique is correct.
If patient is confused/disoriented, check their mouth to see if they swallowed med.
Never return unwrapped drugs to stock; dispose of and notify pharmacy.
Keep med cart locked.
Follow facility’s standard precautions policy.
Wash hands before and after giving meds.
Use safety needles/syringes.
Avoid auto-pilot. Avoid interruptions.
“If in doubt, check it out.”
What is a medication reconciliation?
process of creating the most accurate list possible of all medications patient is taking
What should be included in the medication reconciliation list?
Drug name, dosage, frequency, route
Herbal supplements, vitamins and OTC meds
How to reduce med errors?
Foster a commitment to pt’ rights
Be prepared and confident in questioning orders.
Have a double-check buddy.
Ask about drug allergies before giving new meds.
Learn as much as you can
