Tag: Medical errors

The misinterpretation of medical abbreviations is a significant source of medication errors. Understanding the specific context of a doctor’s order is therefore critical, especially when encountering ambiguous abbreviations like OD, which has a potentially dangerous dual meaning.

Medication errors impact over 7 million US patients every year, underscoring the critical need for safety protocols. To mitigate this risk, healthcare professionals rely on a comprehensive safety checklist known as **What are the 5 plus 5 rights of medication administration?**, an expanded framework built upon the foundational five rights of drug delivery.

According to research, the rate of intravenous (IV) medication administration, including fluids, is a significant source of clinical error, with a substantial portion of mistakes involving an incorrect rate. This is a serious concern, as improperly controlling the flow when you give IV fluids too fast can lead to life-threatening medical complications for the patient.

According to research, inadvertent intra-arterial injection of drugs can produce thrombotic complications and may necessitate amputation in a significant number of cases. Understanding **why is it bad to put an IV in an artery?** is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike to prevent these devastating outcomes.

According to one study, mild local injection site reactions are common, affecting up to 49% of subcutaneous infusions, though the incidence often decreases over time. Knowing **how do you know if you did a subcutaneous injection wrong** is critical for ensuring medication is absorbed correctly and for your peace of mind.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medication errors harm an estimated 1.5 million Americans annually. Yes, a doctor can prescribe too much medication, a dangerous form of medical negligence that can lead to adverse drug events, dangerous drug interactions, dependency, and even death.

Despite significant advancements in medical technology and safety protocols, making anesthesia safer than ever before, adverse events can still occur. For many patients, a key concern remains, **What happens if anesthesia goes wrong?** This question explores a range of potential issues, from minor side effects to rare but serious complications.