I also believe that many medication errors can be prevented by nurses and doctors listening better to patients. However, patients also hold some responsibility for their own care. Many times patients claim allergies to specific medications that they simply do not like the side effects of. When a physician is trying to choose the most appropriate care for a patient it is difficult when the patient "shoots down" the most appropriate therapy as they don’t like the fact that the medication makes them sleepy or causes nausea. A true allergy is very different from a medication side effect. Patients need to keep close tabs on their own medical history and actually be able to inform the physician what the allergy reaction is, instead of "I don’t know what happens when I take it, someone told me I was allergic though."
Original Post;
June 17, 2009
Title; Medication Errors
Medication errors are a major problem in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics everywhere. There are many steps taken to avoid these errors, but they still happen. It can be an accident which could cost a person their life. Nurses need to be sure and follow the steps to avoid making errors and listen to the patients concerns about a medication. I have had a first hand experience with being given a wrong medication. I have a severe allergy to penicillins. I repeatedly told the nurse and the doctor about it and even witnessed the nurse close the medication allergy alert that popped up on the computer screen. When I questioned the nurse about the medication she told me that it was not in the penicillin "family." I went home, took the medication and ended up in the emergency room. If the nurse and doctor would have taken the time to listen to what I was saying my trip to the ER could have be avoided. The nurse always should be an advocate for the patient and always check whatever it is the patient is questioning.
Tags: Forensic Nursing, Forensic Nursing Chronicles, Forensic Nursing Theories, Medication Errors
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