The process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors.

JJ is a 7-year-old male that has been dealing with asthma his entire life. Multiple treatments have been tried, which have helped symptoms, but nothing that works completely. You are treating him and know of a study regarding a new asthma medication being developed. This new medication contains a bronchodilator/steroid/antihistamine as an inhalation. None of the drugs being studied have previously been approved for children under the age of 12. The study would last for 16 weeks.

Explain the ethical and legal implications of the scenario you selected on all stakeholders involved, such as the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.

Describe strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure as identified in the scenario you selected. Be sure to reference laws specific to your state.

Explain two strategies that you, as an advanced practice nurse, would use to guide your decision making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Be sure to justify your explanation.

Explain the process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors.

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Sample Answer

 

 

  • Prescriber: The prescriber has a responsibility to provide the best possible care for their patients. This includes weighing the risks and benefits of all treatment options, including experimental medications. The prescriber also has a responsibility to obtain informed consent from the patient or their authorized representative before enrolling them in a clinical trial.
  • Pharmacist: The pharmacist has a responsibility to dispense medications accurately and safely. This includes checking the medication against the prescriber’s order and the patient’s profile for any potential drug interactions or allergies. The pharmacist also has a responsibility to inform the patient about the risks and benefits of the medication, as well as how to take it safely.

Full Answer Section

 

 

  • Patient: The patient has a right to be informed about all treatment options, including experimental medications. The patient also has a right to refuse treatment, even if it is the best option available.
  • Patient’s family: The patient’s family has a right to be informed about the patient’s care, including any experimental medications that the patient is taking. The family also has a right to participate in decision-making about the patient’s care.

The laws specific to my state regarding disclosure and nondisclosure of medication errors vary depending on the circumstances. In general, however, prescribers and pharmacists are required to report medication errors to the appropriate authorities. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the error is unlikely to cause harm to the patient.

If I were an advanced practice nurse in this scenario, I would use the following two strategies to guide my decision-making:

  1. I would carefully consider the risks and benefits of enrolling JJ in the clinical trial. I would weigh the potential benefits of the new medication against the potential risks, such as the unknown long-term effects of the medication. I would also consider JJ’s individual circumstances, such as his age and medical history.
  2. I would discuss the clinical trial with JJ’s parents and get their informed consent. I would explain the risks and benefits of the medication in detail and answer any questions that they may have. I would also make sure that they understand that they have the right to refuse treatment.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to enroll JJ in the clinical trial would be up to his parents. However, I would provide them with all the information they need to make an informed decision.

The process of writing prescriptions involves a number of steps, including:

  1. Obtaining the patient’s medical history and current medications. This information is important to ensure that the prescribed medication is safe and effective for the patient.
  2. Selecting the appropriate medication. The prescriber will consider the patient’s medical history, current medications, and symptoms when selecting a medication.
  3. Determining the dosage and frequency of administration. The prescriber will also determine the dosage and frequency of administration of the medication.
  4. Writing the prescription. The prescriber will write the prescription in a clear and concise manner, including the name of the medication, the dosage, the frequency of administration, and the duration of treatment.
  5. Dispensing the medication. The pharmacist will dispense the medication according to the prescriber’s order.

There are a number of strategies that can be used to minimize medication errors, including:

  • Using electronic prescribing systems. Electronic prescribing systems can help to prevent medication errors by ensuring that the correct medication is prescribed and that the dosage is accurate.
  • Double-checking prescriptions. Prescribers and pharmacists should always double-check prescriptions before they are dispensed.
  • Using barcoding technology. Barcoding technology can help to ensure that the correct medication is dispensed by matching the barcode on the medication to the barcode on the prescription.

Educating healthcare professionals about medication errors. Healthcare professionals should be educated about the causes of medication errors and how to prevent them.

 

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