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A Systems Approach to Medication Safety
Know
the patient
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age, weight,
allergy history, diagnoses, pregnancy status
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monitoring information: vital signs & lab results are keys to gauging the
effects of prescribed medications and underlying disease processes
 Know the drugs
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Obtain
up-to-date drug information from various sources (drug formulary, PDR, drug
protocols, & frequent, consistent contact with pharmacists)
 Communicate clearly
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Limit use of
verbal orders. If taking a verbal order, restate the order to the prescriber.
When a drug dose is <1, a zero should always precede a decimal, e.g., 0.125 mg.
Use correct drug names. Use only hospital approved abbreviations.
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Be aware of
look-alike and sound-a-like drug names – Carefully read and reread labels.
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Match the drug
label with the ordered drug on the MAR.
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Encourage
patient participation – Teach the patient about the drugs being administered.
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Listen to the
patient
Maintain competency in use of drug delivery
devices
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Appropriately
use infusion pumps and other parenteral administration systems (PCA pump).
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Take the MAR
to the bedside. Check the patient’s name band.
Don’t Sabotage Yourself !!
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Use good
lighting, an uncluttered area, & avoid frequent interruptions.
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Be attentive
during drug administration.
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Check all
drugs for expiration dates prior to administration.
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Do not use discontinued drugs from the drawer
of another patient – return discontinued drugs to pharmacy.
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Don’t
sacrifice safety for timeliness, i.e., the need to quickly administer drugs
doesn’t outweigh safety checks for medication administration.
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Document all
medications administered.
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Follow
hospital policies and procedures for medication administration!!
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