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Medication Errors
Errors in the
administration of medication to patients is one of the
most frequent errors made in medicine and results in
many medical malpractice lawsuits.
The most
common errors involve medications that are given at the
wrong time or at the wrong dose. Other frequently
encountered errors include failing to give medications.
Most of these errors are entirely preventable.
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Common Errors
Medication
errors generally occur through carelessness, as a result
of mathematical errors in calculating doses, or thorough
inexperience with the drug in question. Other times the
errors are the result of incomplete or illegible
physician orders and prescriptions, improper labelling
or other errors made by the pharmacy. Medication errors
can also occur as a consequence of staffing shortages
and distractions.
Most hospitals
have policies or protocols which deal with the
administration of medications, including what should
happen if a medication error is discovered. The "5
rights" principle is followed by most nurses in
administering medication: the right drug, the right
patient, the right route and the right time).
Most
medication errors do not result in harm to patients.
However, on a handful of occasions a minor slip up can
lead to permanent injury or death.
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