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Tag: Medication errors

Explore our medication guides and pharmacology articles within this category.

What does high risk medication use mean on my chart?

5 min read
According to systematic reviews, preventable drug-related morbidity contributes to an estimated 3–4% of all unplanned hospital admissions. A 'high risk medication use' indicator in your medical chart is a system-generated flag to alert healthcare professionals to the heightened potential for causing significant harm if an error occurs. This indicator prompts increased vigilance from your care team to ensure your safety.

Why Are Medications Considered High Alert?

5 min read
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), although mistakes with high-alert medications may not be more common, the consequences of an error are far more devastating to patients. This is why medications are considered high alert, necessitating strict safety protocols to prevent serious harm.

What Are High Alert Medications? A Guide to Enhancing Patient Safety

5 min read
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), **high alert medications** are drugs that carry a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when they are used in error. While mistakes are not necessarily more common with these drugs, the consequences of an error can be devastating to patients.

What are the signs and symptoms of a heparin overdose?

4 min read
While critical for preventing blood clots, excessive heparin can lead to serious bleeding complications. Recognizing what are the signs and symptoms of a heparin overdose is paramount for patient safety, as severe bleeding can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Understanding What Are the 3 Checks and 5 Rights in Medication Administration

5 min read
According to a 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine, medication errors were a significant contributor to avoidable patient deaths, highlighting the critical importance of safety protocols in healthcare. Central to minimizing these risks are the foundational principles that define **what are the 3 checks and 5 rights?** in medication administration.

What are the 5 nursing responsibilities in drug administration?

5 min read
Globally, medication-related harm affects about 1 in every 20 patients, costing an estimated $42 billion annually [1.4.1, 1.4.6]. Understanding **what are the 5 nursing responsibilities in drug administration?** is the first step in mitigating these risks and ensuring patient safety.

What are the 4 P's of medication administration?

4 min read
Globally, medication-related harm impacts about 1 in 20 patients, costing an estimated $42 billion annually [1.6.1, 1.6.5]. To combat this, healthcare professionals use memory aids to ensure safety. So, what are the 4 P's of medication administration and how do they help?

Understanding What Are the 4 Principles of Drug Administration and More

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, between 7,000 to 9,000 people in the U.S. die annually due to medication errors. Ensuring patient safety during the delivery of medicine is paramount, which is why healthcare professionals rely on a set of critical guidelines. While many seek to understand what are the 4 principles of drug administration, the universally accepted standard for safe medication practice is actually based on a framework known as the 'five rights,' which has been expanded over time.

Identifying the Red Flags: What Contraindications Would Restrict a Treatment?

4 min read
According to MedlinePlus, a contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason not to take a certain medical treatment due to the harm it would cause the patient. Understanding **what contraindications would restrict a treatment** is a cornerstone of responsible pharmacology, preventing severe adverse reactions, and ensuring patient well-being.