Question

1. There were several medication safety errors highlighted in the video. In one case, an incorrect dose of heparin injectable was administered twice to Dennis Quaids’ infants.
   1. Consider what you know about medication safety, how could this error be prevented? What are the steps in the medication administration process that were missed allowing for this error to occur?
   2. What is the role of the professional nurse if they administer a medication in error?
   3. What are the adverse effects associated with the drug Heparin? What would the nurse assess for in caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy?
   4. What drug is the antidote of heparin?

Answer 1

A. Ensure the five rights of medication administration

Double check procedures .

Proper documentation.

Follow institution's medication administration policies, regulations and guidelines.

B . Let the patient and family know.

Notify the health care team.

Document the error and report it to the hospital safety committee.

C. Bruising , bleeding , allergic reactions, increased liver enzymes , at the injection site there may be irritation, pain or redness .

Assess for any history of bleeding disorders.

International normalized ratio ( INR) should be checked before giving heparin to assess clotting time.

D. Protamine sulphate .