Medication Error Intervention

Immediate Interventions

■ Discontinue the medication.

■ Treat symptoms of ADR per protocol.

Focused Assessment

■ Assess for any ADR to the medication including changes in LOC, VS, N&V, allergic reaction, etc.

■ Ascertain whether the patient has any known allergy to the medication given in error.

Ongoing Assessment and Intervention

■ Notify physician of medication error, along with any adverse reactions to the medication.

Documentation

■ Complete the appropriate documentation per hospital policy.

■ Document on MAR and progress notes if indicated.

■ Avoid using such phrases such as “given in error.” State the facts; document the medication, dose, time, and route on the MAR.

■ In the progress notes, document physician notified.

■ If there was any ADR, include intervention and outcome.

■ Do not indicate within the progress notes that an incident report was filled out (e.g., “see incident report”).