med errors

[beewee47]

Let's say you just finished passing your 0800 meds. While reviewing, you realize you have given the wrong drug to one of your patients. How would you respond to this situation? And what steps must be taken?

I know you should need to check vitals, immediately inform the physician, note the med given in the MAR and the patients records along with the actions taken and the patient's vitals..Fill out an incident report separate from the patient's chart. Does that sound about right? What else would you have to do? Thanks!

[al7139, ASN, RN]

Hi,

I hate to state the obvious, but if you are a student, you need to let your instructor/preceptor know immediately, and if you are a practicing nurse you should let your supervisor know. They will help you through the proper procedure.

With any med error the doctor needs to be notified so they can give orders if needed, and you should also make sure of the patients allergies, and know what to look for and what to do for the patient (your supervisor, MD and pharmacist can help with this). You should also talk to a pharmacist so they can look at the other meds the patient is on, and if there is potential for drug drug interactions, or if a med should be held, etc.

Hate to say it but it does happen, and most of the time it is not harmful to the patient, but it could have been avoided through proper patient identification/6 rights before giving the drug, so it is a serious incident even if the pt is OK.

This is a critical incident that needs an incident report, but before it is documented in the chart you need to talk to your supervisor as to what to document.

Hope this helps.

Amy

[beewee47]

Thanks....this didnt' happen to me or anything, but for our pharmacology class we have to state the procedure we would do if this did happen once we graduate and are in the field. I was just seeing if i was going in the right direction. thanks for your help

[senecagirl]

what does it say in your text? there should be a general outline of what to do.

gl!!