The Perils of Medication Errors: A Nurse’s Perspective

It's a scary reality: medication errors can happen in healthcare settings. As a nurse, I've experienced these close calls personally, and my perspective sheds light on the challenges and responsibilities involved in patient safety.

Personal Experiences with Medication Errors

I've been there, done that. We are all humans, and despite our best efforts, mistakes can happen. Fortunately, none of my mistakes were severe enough to endanger patient health. When a mistake occurs, the proper procedure is to 1) assess the patient, 2) notify the physician, and 3) complete the Incident paperwork for Risk Management.

Incidents with Medication Errors

Immunization Overdose in a Hospital: A trainee RN accidentally administered an immunization injection with an overdose, leading to moderate side effects that required medical attention. The patient was monitored, and the error was reported to the appropriate authorities. Oral Tablet Sample Mix-Up in a Mega-CHC: An RN in a large community health center gave the wrong oral tablet sample. Fortunately, this error did not cause any fatal harm, and the patient was closely observed.

The Risks and Responsibilities

Both incidents highlighted the potential risks involved in medication delivery. When it comes to children who are on an immunization schedule, it can be relatively easy to overdose. This is particularly concerning because the bottles of different vaccines, such as MMR, may look identical, and the dosages can vary depending on the strength method.

Nurses are often the ones who administer medications, and they must be diligent to ensure the correct dosage is given. Busy schedules and high patient volumes can lead to distractions, increasing the likelihood of errors. However, the ultimate responsibility often lies with the physician, not the nurse, because the physician carries the malpractice insurance policy. This policy is mandated by law and is a prerequisite for practitioners, making them the primary targets for malpractice attorneys.

Additional Perspectives: Pharmacists’ Role and Patient Awareness

While I've had experiences as a nurse, pharmacists have also faced medication errors. Over the years, a few instances have been reported. For example, one time, the pills I was given looked different from my usual medications, prompting me to check with a pharmacist before taking them. Another time, the instructions on the bottle indicated to insert the medication rectally by mouth, which is an absurd and potentially dangerous scenario.

Patient awareness is crucial. Always verify medications with a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure the correct medication and dosage are being administered. Never hesitate to ask questions or report any discrepancies to the healthcare team.

Conclusion

Mistakes happen, but proper follow-up and systematic procedures can help mitigate risks. It’s important for all healthcare professionals, including nurses and pharmacists, to remain vigilant and prioritize patient safety. By doing so, we can collectively work towards minimizing medication errors and ensuring better health outcomes for everyone.