Published Oct 20, 2005
NurseP2006
1 Post
Could some one tell me - is an ommission of a medication considered to be a medication error?
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 45,819 Posts
Yes, it is. Two of the 5 rights of medication. Right medication, right time.
txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN
4,373 Posts
Well that depends ,was it a overlook or was it held for low BP or something to that nature. If it was a overlook then ,YES....
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
There are times when we must use our nursing judgment, and purposely omit medication. Of course, always document meticulously and notify the doctor when appropriate.
1. If a patient has a respiratory rate of 10, are you still going to give the morphine sulfate?
2. If a patient has an irregular apical pulse of 36 bpm, are you still going to give the digitalis?
3. If a patient has a blood pressure of 78/40, are you still going to give the 100mg of Lopressor?
4. If the patient has had 5 large loose stools, are you still going to give the routine Dulcolax?