Category: Patient safety

A meta-analysis of studies involving 1,835 patients receiving vasopressors via peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVs) found a complication prevalence of about 8.6% [1.9.1]. Understanding what are the contraindications for vasoconstriction is crucial for patient safety.

According to numerous nursing and pharmacology resources, respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of opioid medications like morphine. Therefore, the single most critical assessment a nurse must complete before administering morphine is checking the patient's respiratory rate.

The FDA has issued a Black Box Warning for epoetin regarding serious cardiovascular events and increased mortality. **Who should not take epoetin** includes patients with uncontrolled hypertension and certain cancer diagnoses due to these significant risks.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, over 40% of medication errors may result from inadequate reconciliation during patient handoffs. Understanding which statement best describes the medication reconciliation process is vital for patient safety and effective healthcare.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant public health issue, with some studies estimating they cause over 106,000 deaths in hospitalized patients annually [1.4.2]. Understanding **what the term contraindication means** is a critical step for patients and providers in preventing these harmful events [1.4.2, 1.4.3].

According to Drugs.com, a contraindication is a medical term for a factor that makes a treatment inadvisable because it may be harmful. A comprehensive understanding of **what contraindications would prevent a treatment** is vital for safeguarding patient health and avoiding potentially life-threatening adverse events.

A study found that adverse drug events, which can result from ignoring contraindications, cause over 1 million emergency department visits in the U.S. each year [1.9.1]. So, **what does contraindicated mean in medical terms?** It's a specific situation where a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used because it may be harmful to the person [1.2.4].

According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, a large portion of whom are also treated for other conditions with potentially harmful medications. An essential part of managing heart health is knowing **which drug is contraindicated in cardiac patients** or requires caution, as certain common medications can pose significant and sometimes life-threatening risks.

Over 450 million gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) doses have been administered worldwide since 1988, yet a small amount of gadolinium can stay in the body for months or even years. Understanding **how long does gadolinium stay in the body** is crucial for patient safety and informed consent during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures.

The incidence of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) can range from 5% to 43% [1.4.5]. Understanding which of the following is most likely a side effect associated with vancomycin is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.