List 5 types of drug errors that you had not thought about before: correct answers 1. Using the
wrong diluent
2. Infusing the drug too rapidly
3. Administering the drug by the wrong route
4. Administering a drug to which the patient is allergic
5. Preparing the wrong concentration
What are some common causes or drug errors that you found interesting: correct answers 1. Use
of floor stock medications
2. Failing to identify patient using 2 forms of id
3. Use of IV solutions that aren't premixed
4. Preparation of the drug in a clinical area instead of the pharmacy
5. Unlabeled syringes
What are some important points to cover with a client when doing discharge teaching to prevent
drug error? correct answers 1. How to take the drug and it's purpose
2. What to do if they miss or skip a dose
3. Drug to drug interactions
4. What and what not to take the drug with (food/drink)
5. How to monitor the drug's effectiveness
What are some important considerations that you learned about allergies? correct answers 1.
Make sure to ask the patient directly about their drug allergies
2. Patients may forget to add an allergy to their list at the PCP's office, or they may not regularly
see a doctor
3. Be alert for the possibility of an anaphylactic reaction when a patient is allergic to peanuts,
soy, or sulfa compounds
4. Certain meds should never be given to patients allergic to peanuts, soy, or sulfa compounds
5. You can't give ipra-tropium (Atrovent) aerosol given by metered-dose inhaler to a person
who's allergic to peanuts
What is the "Do Not Use List" and what are some abbreviations contained on it? correct answers
The "Do Not Use List" is a list of abbreviations that should be avoided in ALL orders and med-
related documentation that is handwriting or on preprinted fonts. (Some abbreviations include U,
IU, q.d., trailing zeros or absence of leading zeroes, and MSO4 or MgSO4.)
What are 3 circumstances in which a nurse is legally allowed to refuse to administer a drug?
correct answers 1. If they think the dosage is too high
2. If they think the drug might interact dangerously with other drugs the patient is taking or with
any allergies they might have
3. If the physical condition might contradict the use of the drug (cautious of patients who might
abuse the drug)