Oops! That Wasn't Right (Medication Errors)
To avoid medication errors, this practice involves comparing what a patient is currently taking with newly ordered medications.
What is medication reconciliation?
USP <795> sets standards for this type of compounding.
What is non-sterile compounding?
What device helps monitor temperature in storage units?
What is Smart thermometer ?
What does CQI stand for and how does it help in the pharmacy?
Continuous Quality Improvement; it helps reduce errors and improve systems
How often should crash carts be inspected in hospital settings?
What is : Monthly
Reporting this type of error, even though it didn’t reach the patient, helps improve safety.
What is a near miss?
USP <800> ensures safety for this group of people.
Who are healthcare workers or personnel handling hazardous drugs?
What should be logged daily in refrigerator/freezer logs?
What is : Date, time, temperature, and staff initials.
Why is an efficient pharmacy layout important?
It helps reduce errors and improves speed and accuracy
When must crash carts be restocked?
What is: Immediately after each use
This is the most common type of medication error, often caused by messy handwriting or confusion between drugs.
What is a prescribing error?
USP chapters like <795>, <797>, and <800> are enforced by this federal agency.
What is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)?
What should you do if a refrigerator temperature is out of range?
Document it and recheck in one hour.
What type of alcohol is used to clean counting trays?
70% isopropyl alcohol
What should be checked each month in hospital nursing units? (Hint: location/storage)
That all medications are properly and securely stored.
Entering the wrong number of tablets into the system is an example of this type of error.
What is a dispensing error?
USP <797> is focused on this specific compounding environment.
What is sterile compounding?
What does a smart thermometer do when temps are unsafe?
What is: Sounds an alarm and alerts staff via text/email
Why should sulfa drugs not be counted on automated machines?
Risk of cross-contamination and allergic reactions
Why is secure storage of controlled substances essential?
To prevent diversion and meet legal compliance
This technology alerts the pharmacy team to possible drug interactions or allergies.
What is a computerized alert system or DUR ?
USP standards ensure medications are this, meaning they are what they say they are.
What is quality or pure?
How long can Zostavax be stored outside proper temp before losing quality?
What is 3 days
Give two examples of best practices for a safe work environment.
Adequate lighting, minimal distractions, and proper storage of meds.
Where should controlled substances never be stored in a hospital?
In a patient’s room or unsecured med cart