For each of the following medication-related errors, select the patient "right" that was violated (select a, b, c, d, or e for each). Use pharmacology text references if needed. After your selection, discuss the clinical implications and preventive measures you will take in your practice to avoid such errors.

-Ordered: Potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq verbal order during a bedside emergency to be added to intravenous (IV) infusion solution, and atropine 0.5 mg to be given by direct IV (directly into the vein). Both medications were prepared by Nurse A.
Given: (KCl) 20 mEq in syringe directly into the vein by nurse B, who was handed two unmarked syringes by nurse A, who verbally identified them.

Question

For each of the following medication-related errors, select the patient "right" that was violated (select a, b, c, d, or e for each). Use pharmacology text references if needed. After your selection, discuss the clinical implications and preventive measures you will take in your practice to avoid such errors.

-Ordered: Potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq verbal order during a bedside emergency to be added to intravenous (IV) infusion solution, and atropine 0.5 mg to be given by direct IV (directly into the vein). Both medications were prepared by Nurse A.
Given: (KCl) 20 mEq in syringe directly into the vein by nurse B, who was handed two unmarked syringes by nurse A, who verbally identified them.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Emergency situations and unmarked, unidentified medications, as well as a preparer who is not the giver, present special risks. The medication wrapper or label should be kept with the emergency drug for a side-by-side comparison with the medication. The name and dose should be restated to the person giving the drug.

For Each of the Following Medication-Related Errors, Select the Patient