• Follow established medication protocols . If “ work-arounds ” persist , consult with the facility ’ s nursing leadership about opportunities to improve medication protocols and systems , and methods to enhance staff monitoring and compliance .
• Understand that , while measures such as bar code scanning can reduce medication errors , this and other medication safety methods are not foolproof ( Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [ AHRQ ], 2019 ). Consistently verify the “ six rights ” when administering medications to patients :
u Right patient ; u Right drug ; u Right dose ; u Right route ; u Right time ; and u Right documentation ( Hanson & Haddad , 2021 ).
• Know the medication ( s ) being administered to the patient . Nurses are the last line of defense to prevent medication errors from reaching the patient . Therefore , they must understand why the patient is taking a particular medication , as well as interactions , side effects , and adverse reactions that may occur ( Jones et al ., 2021 ).
Medication administration errors represent a significant concern , especially in high stress / high patient acuity locations ( ISMP , 2022b ). Whether in an acute care facility or their own home , patients have the right to safe care . For this reason , nurses must know the medications they are administering , their side effects , and the potential drug-to-drug interactions .
DISCLAIMERS These are illustrations of actual claims that were managed by the CNA insurance companies . However , every claim arises out of its own unique set of facts which must be considered within the context of applicable state and federal laws and regulations , as well as the specific terms , conditions and exclusions of each insurance policy , their forms , and optional coverages . The information contained herein is not intended to establish any standard of care , serve as professional advice or address the circumstances of any specific entity . These statements do not constitute a risk management directive from CNA . No organization or individual should act upon this information without appropriate professional advice , including advice of legal counsel , given after a thorough examination of the individual situation , encompassing a review of relevant facts , laws and regulations . CNA assumes no responsibility for the consequences of the use or nonuse of this information .
This publication is intended to inform Affinity Insurance Services , Inc ., customers of potential liability in their practice . This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide individualized guidance . All descriptions , summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend , alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy . Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy . Any references to non-Aon , AIS , NSO , NSO websites are provided solely for convenience , and Aon , AIS , NSO and NSO disclaims any responsibility with respect to such websites . This information is not intended to offer legal advice or to establish appropriate or acceptable standards of professional conduct . Readers should consult with a lawyer if they have specific concerns . Neither Affinity Insurance Services , Inc ., NSO , nor CNA assumes any liability for how this information is applied in practice or for the accuracy of this information .
Nurses Service Organization is a registered trade name of Affinity Insurance Services , Inc ., a licensed producer in all states ( TX 13695 ); ( AR 100106022 ); in CA , MN , AIS Affinity Insurance Agency , Inc . ( CA 0795465 ); in OK , AIS Affinity Insurance Services , Inc .; in CA , Aon Affinity Insurance Services , Inc ., ( CA 0G94493 ), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance
Agency and in NY , AIS Affinity Insurance Agency .
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