Classify as a Med Error?

[Skeeter19910]

The last night I worked I had an order for mylicon 0.4 mg Q 6hrs.So I did my chart check the order on the computer mar was correct, so I gave the dose.I had some downtime and was thumbing through the chart and noticed that the dates on the orders were out of order and that a new order for mylicon had been written 3 days earlier for 0.5mg Q 6hrs.Nobody had faxed the order or tagged it.I alerted the charge nurse but she said it was a simple error,no harm?

There was no harm to the patient,and multiple nurses gave doses of the "old order".Was this technically a med error?Should I have gone higher than the charge? Thanks for the advice!

[chrisrn24]

Technically it was a med error I think. But I'm guessing you're not the only one who made the "error." I hesitate to blame anyone but the person who dropped the ball on transcribing the order. You didn't know!

[scottaprn]

Yes, that would qualify as a medication error.

As far as who you should report it to what is your facility policy?

Studies show that a large majority of medication errors are never found. With that in mind hospitals need to take a look at every one to find out how the error occurred and how to prevent it from happening again so that they don't wind up with one that creates harm to the patient in the future.

it isn't about assigning blame it is about doing everything to prevent a future catastrophic error.

[AGACNPTX]

Yes, that would qualify as a medication error.

As far as who you should report it to what is your facility policy?

Studies show that a large majority of medication errors are never found. With that in mind hospitals need to take a look at every one to find out how the error occurred and how to prevent it from happening again so that they don't wind up with one that creates harm to the patient in the future.

it isn't about assigning blame it is about doing everything to prevent a future catastrophic error.

Agree with this. This time it was just mylicon, but next time it could be a more dangerous drug and dose. Doesn't sound like it was your fault, so just be honest and tell them you are letting them know so an error can be prevented in the future.