NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Attempt 2 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue
In this assessment, I will continue to explore the consequences of medication errors and delve into some possible solutions in order to prevent or at the very least minimize their occurrence. Medication errors are described by the National Coordinating Council for Medicine Error Reporting and Prevention as “any preventable incident that may cause or contribute to inappropriate medication usage or patient harm while the medication is within the control of the healthcare practitioner.” It is critical to explore different options and solutions in order to assist healthcare workers in preventing medication errors. Not only because medication errors can result in patient harm but also because the error typically falls on the nurse or health care professional who provided the medication.
Elements of the Problem/Issue
According to studies, a hospitalized patient is estimated to be subjected to at least one medication error per day. Up to 35% of these medication errors result in severe or life-threatening outcomes for the patient (Schmidt et al., 2017). Medication errors can occur, for example, if a healthcare professional is constantly being interrupted or has too many patients to care for safely. Two examples of common medication errors include; A healthcare professional giving a patient the wrong medication and a patient being given the wrong dose of something. Medication dosage and timing should be thoroughly evaluated by the health care interdisciplinary team as an incorrect dose can have significant consequences when given.
NHS FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Attempt 2 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue
The significance of high-alert medications must be addressed when discussing medication errors. Insulin, potassium chloride, antibiotics, and heparin are just a few examples of these high-alert and commonly used medications (Mancha et al.). According to studies, high-alert medications, often known as HAM, account for 27 -72% of all medication errors (Sodre Alves et al., 2020). These errors sometimes occur due to a lack of knowledge surrounding dosing and scheduling, confusion between doses and concentration of medications and even a lack of awareness of the different types of insulin or the storing of these medications (Mancha et al.). A lack of understanding surrounding the medications themselves frequently leads to medication errors when using high-alert medications. High-alert medications should be handled with extra care and attention in order to avoid mistakes that may cause serious harm or death.
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Analysis
I frequently prepare and administer high-alert medications in my role as a nurse, so it is critical for me to be knowledgeable regarding the process of administering these medications. These medications must be treated with the appropriate level of precaution and care, and any consequences resulting from improper administration must be taken seriously because they have the potential to be lethal. I need to make sure that in my role as a healthcare professional, I am always up-to-date with current policies and procedures surrounding the preparation and administration of all medications.
Ethical Implications of Medication Errors
When discussing medication errors, one should also address the ethical implications of such. The focus of which should surround the four ethical principles of autonomy (right to self-determination), beneficence and nonmaleficence (do good and do no harm) and veracity (honesty/truthfulness) (Sorrell J.M.,2017). All medication errors must be disclosed not only to the physician but also the patient, because when the patient is in the know he or she is able to make the best possible decisions regarding their treatment and care. Research shows that nurses can be hesitant when it comes to reporting medication errors out of fear from consequences. However, patients have the right to know if an error was made. They deserve to have all of the information presented to them so that they can make the best decisions regarding their care going forward. Also, if the patient is aware of the error, he or she will be more likely to speak up and identify any pertinent symptoms.
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The Patients’ Bill of Rights, which guarantees complete disclosure of all medical treatments,