For this reason, drug information must be readily accessible to all staff who prescribe and administer drugs. Staff should not interrupt a nurse involved in these activities. Long or double shifts also can contribute to med errors. Administrators should be aware that long shifts can cause fatigue that may lead to errors, which raise concerns about legal liability as well as patient health. Know the drug, the generic and trade names, and why it is needed.
Different drugs have similar names.
Check the container's label three times and compare it with the medication card or recording form. Check it once before taking the container from the shelf or drawer, once while removing the ordered amount from the container, and once when returning the container to the shelf or drawer. Never give a medication from a container that is not properly labeled or a medication that someone else has prepared. 9 Keep unit-dose packages wrapped until you are ready to give the medication so it stays labeled until it reaches the patient. If they are not, stop and clarify.