5 Preventing and Responding to Medication Errors Free Online FlashCards

What is a medication error?

Medication errors are preventable events that can occur during prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administering, or monitoring a medication.

What is a medication near miss?

A near miss is an error intercepted before it reaches the patient.

What is an adverse drug event?

An adverse drug event is harm associated with medication use; it may or may not result from an error.

Why report medication near misses?

Reporting near misses can reveal hazards before a patient is harmed and help prevent recurrence.

What should medication verification include beyond the five rights?

Verify the right patient, medication, dose, route, and time, as well as the indication, formulation, documentation, and patient response.

How should you handle an unclear or unexpected medication order?

Pause and clarify an incomplete, illegible, or unexpected order rather than guessing.

What makes a high-risk medication double-check independent?

The second clinician independently verifies the relevant information instead of simply agreeing with the first check.

How should medication-safety technology be used?

Scan the patient’s identification band and medication at the bedside, and use the medication administration record and smart-pump drug library as intended. If safeguards fail, stop and follow facility procedure.

How should you respond if a patient says a medication looks unfamiliar?

Take the concern seriously: a patient who says a medication looks unfamiliar may be noticing a genuine discrepancy.

What should follow medication administration?

Monitor for the intended effect and adverse reactions, then document administration or the reason for withholding or delaying the dose according to policy.

What is the priority when a medication error reaches a patient?

Protect the patient first, then report and investigate. Stop or prevent further exposure when safe to do so.

What should an immediate assessment after a medication error cover?

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, vital signs, symptoms, and medication-specific risks promptly. Do not wait for symptoms if urgent assessment or escalation is indicated.