Provide your answers to the following questions in a 2-page paper. Use APA Editorial Format for all citations and references used.
- What should the "culture and environment of safety" look like when preparing and administering medications?
- Discuss a common breach of medication administration.
- Identify three (3) factors that lead to errors in documentation related to medication administration.
- What can I do to prevent medication errors?
Full Answer Section
Some of the key elements of a culture and environment of safety include:
- Communication: Everyone involved in the medication process should be able to communicate effectively with each other. This includes speaking up if you have any concerns, and being open to feedback from others.
- Teamwork: Everyone involved in the medication process should work together as a team. This means being willing to help out each other, and being accountable for your own actions.
- Training: Everyone involved in the medication process should be properly trained. This includes knowing the risks of medication errors, and how to prevent them.
- Monitoring: The medication process should be monitored on a regular basis to identify and address any potential problems.
Discuss a common breach of medication administration.
One common breach of medication administration is
wrong-dose medication. This occurs when a patient is given a medication in the wrong dosage. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as misreading the prescription, or not following the medication administration guidelines.
Another common breach of medication administration is
wrong-patient medication. This occurs when a patient is given a medication that is intended for another patient. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as confusing the patients' names, or not checking the patient's identification bracelet.
Identify three (3) factors that lead to errors in documentation related to medication administration.
Three factors that lead to errors in documentation related to medication administration include:
- Time pressure: Healthcare professionals are often under time pressure, which can lead to errors in documentation. For example, a nurse may be rushed to administer a medication, and may not take the time to document the medication correctly.
- Inattention: Healthcare professionals may be inattentive when documenting medication administration. This can happen if they are multitasking, or if they are not familiar with the medication administration guidelines.
- Communication errors: Communication errors can also lead to errors in documentation. For example, a nurse may not write down the correct medication dosage, or they may not document the time that the medication was administered.
What can I do to prevent medication errors?
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent medication errors. These include:
- Be aware of the risks of medication errors.
- Take your time when preparing and administering medications.
- Double-check your work.
- Document medication administration accurately.
- Speak up if you have any concerns.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent medication errors and keep your patients safe.