Karen Masterson,the perioperative nurse circulator,is preparing the OR for a vascular procedure where heparin will be used.She has obtained the heparin from the medication dispensing system and is preparing to mix the heparin in IV saline according to the dosage on the surgeon's preference/pick list.The scrub person,Judy Rothman,also a perioperative nurse,is preparing the sterile back table.What expected and appropriate risk reduction strategies related to the use of heparin would both Karen and Judy perform?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin sodium is considered a high-alert drug,so designated by The Joint Commission and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)because it may cause life-threatening or permanent harm to the patient if administered incorrectly.Sound-alike caution:Hespan.Institutions should identify and at a minimum annually review look-alike/sound-alike drugs to prevent errors involving the interchange of such drugs.Labeling requirements:Any medication container,such as a syringe,medicine cup,or basin,containing heparin or a heparin solution must be labeled on or off the sterile field.The following risk reduction strategies are included:ensure concurrent verification,both verbally and visually,between the perioperative nurse and scrub person of all medications introduced to the sterile field,including medication name,strength,dose,and expiration date.Labels should be verified by two qualified individuals if the person preparing the medication is not the person administering it;this may be the case during relief of OR personnel.

Karen Masterson,the Perioperative Nurse Circulator,is Preparing the OR for a Vascular