It’s been said that hospitals
are one of the most dangerous places for patients. Although we provide great
care, we can also do great harm – especially when administering medications. We
all know the 5 rights, but even if we comply, mistakes are made. Potassium is given to a patient with a
level of 5.5mEq or Dilantin is given to a patient with an existing level of
30mcg/ml (normal is 10-20). By not doing our due diligence prior to
administration, we put our patients at risk.
Making sure you give the
right drug to the right patient isn’t enough. We have to truly understand how
every drug we give will affect the individual patient. Mastering that is
quintessential way we can provide “great care” to patients.
