Question

Explain the difference between an active and a latent error, and list one possible example of each. (150 words min)

Answer 1

ANSWER

    Active error.

        * Active errors are mistakes that occur immediately and it causes

          injuries in the patient and this type of errors can happen directly

        from the action of health care professional.

   Example

        * A patient admitted in the hospital with heart failure and physician

          ordered 100mg/100ml of dobutamine but nurse administer 200mg/100ml

          lead to severe complications in patient.

Latent errors.

        * Latent errors occur when then is a defect in the delivery system

          of a health care organization and it result in injuries to the patient.

Example.

        * Nosocomial or hospital acquired infection rate in a hospital increased

          due to poor infection control measures and poor waste management

          system in the hospital.