AVOID MEDICATION ERRORS |
1 | Avoid distractions when preparing medication. |
2 | Avoid conversations while preparing medication. |
3 | Only administer medications that you prepare. |
4 | Only pour or prepare medication from containers that have full labels that are easy to read. |
5 | Don’t transfer drugs from one container to another container. |
6 | Don’t pour medications directly into your hand. |
7 | Don’t give medications that have expired. |
8 | Don’t guess about medication and doses. Always ask the prescriber. |
9 | Don’t administer drugs that are discolored, have sediment, or are cloudy unless this is a normal state for the medication. |
10 | Don’t leave medications by the bedside or with visitors. |
11 | Keep medications in clear sight. |
12 | Don’t give medication if the patient says he/she has allergies to the drug or the drug group or if the patient says it does not look the same as the drug they normally take. |
13 | Use both the patient’s name and patient’s number on the identification band to identify the patient. |
14 | Don’t administer medication with food or beverages unless the medication can be given with food and beverages. |