Question

What is a stop-gap measure in medication errors?

Answer 1

Ans) The Council defines a "medication error" as follows: "A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer.
10 Strategies for Preventing Medication Errors
1) Ensure the five rights of medication administration.

2) Follow proper medication reconciliation procedures.

3) Double check—or even triple check—procedures.

4) Have the physician (or another nurse) read it back.

5) Consider using a name alert.

6) Place a zero in front of the decimal point.

7) Document everything.

8) Ensure proper storage of medications for proper efficacy.

9) Learn your institution’s medication administration policies, regulations, and guidelines.

10) Consider having a drug guide available at all times.