Apothecary measures in medicine

elkpark · Sep 19, 2015

I don't see how a measurement system I haven't seen used in at least 25 yrs can be causing medication errors.

(Ooops! I offered an opinion instead of doing the OP's research for her/him. My bad!!)

BTW, what is "this archaic system that causes more medication errors than any other singular aspect" supposed to mean?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Sep 19, 2015

I would like to solicit the assistance of anyone that could help substantiate the removal of the apothecary system of measurement from the curriculum at my nursing school. I presented the concept to the associate dean and substantiated my position. He agreed and is willing to take that suggestion to the curriculum committee for the removal. I simy hope to have rock solid substantiated evidence to sway that committee to immediately remove this archaic system that causes more medication errors than any other singular aspect as well as to show it should be used as a historical concept rather than that of modern medication practices. Any substantiated support on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Your reply, although greatly appreciated, shows EXACTLY why different systems should not be utilized in medicine. Your typing errors and failure to address the issue as requested with substantiated evidence shows the carelessness some healthcare professionals utilize. Opinions were not solicited, only substantiated evidence in support of the removal was requested. Again, thank you for your OPINION, however, it is not appropriate in this topic.

If you're going to point out grammar/spelling errors then maybe you should double check your OP.

Also there is nothing wrong with the apothecary system, especially when you run into a doctor who uses it (yes they are out there). Then you will thank your lucky stars that you learned it.

Can you prove the apothecary causes more medication errors than any other system?

springchick1, ADN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

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Again, if you have nothing positive to contribute please find something more constructive to do rather than voice your unsupporting opinion to something that others may well find valuable in protecting and hopefully reducing the needless 100,000 deaths each year from mistakes in administering medicine. PLEASE, again, only those supporting this is requested to reply with substianted documentation...not personal opinions...and if your name has MEAN anywhere continued therein...pass the post for something you may find your opinion making a difference. Kindest regards,

Who said that the 100,000 deaths are caused by the apothecary measurement? I've worked in the hospital a long time and I've never seen it even used. My OPINION is that by the time this committee votes to have it removed (which I doubt they will) you will be done with school. It takes forever for committees to do anything.

Why are you so apposed to apothecary measurement? Is this something you are struggling with in school? If that's the case, find an instructor who can help you. Like a PP said, you may run into it and then you will be glad that you know how to convert the measurements.

AcuteHD · Sep 19, 2015

What evidence did you present to the dean that was so convincing? There are some remarkable nurses on this site that can be very helpful, but you haven't given them much reason to help. You may have to read between the lines, but those opinions that you don't want will be helpful to you if you want to build a strong argument.

ixchel · Sep 19, 2015

The reason no one is substantiating your claim is because it is unsubstantiated. Educating student nurses on how to convert apothecary measurements will PREVENT med errors.

Your efforts would be better served putting down the thesaurus, substantiating your own claims, and taking this battle up with the prescribers. As long as they prescribe it, we MUST be able to understand AND TEACH it.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Sep 19, 2015

I am patiently waiting for the OP to come back. :)

AcuteHD · Sep 19, 2015

Lol, I doubt that. Nobody that is waiting patiently says they are waiting patiently.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Sep 19, 2015

Lol, I doubt that. Nobody that is waiting patiently says they are waiting patiently.

Lol. Oh, I see what you did there.

enuf_already · Sep 19, 2015

Maybe OP was trying to substantiate the substantial amount of medication erroneously given causing substantial harm to a patient they knew. If one could substantiate that the error was caused by a substantial misuse of an archaic system, a substantial amount of guilt could be deflected to substantiate the error.

This would substantially absolve the OP of guilt, and instead point to the conclusion that the substantial claim of human error causing death in medication errors substantially had no substance. Or not.

I rest my case, substantially.

AcuteHD · Sep 19, 2015

I don't think he's coming back :-(

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Sep 19, 2015

I don't think he's coming back :-(

I think you're right. Boo.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

I don't think he's coming back :-(

Well, if you can't get a bunch of women to just do what their told ............

(And I'm really hoping this bunch has a sense of humor )