The significance of high-alert medications must be addressed when discussing medication errors. Insulin, potassium chloride, antibiotics, and heparin are just a few examples of these high-alert and commonly used medications (Mancha et al.). According to studies, high-alert medications, often known as HAM, account for 27 -72% of all medication errors (Sodre Alves et al., 2020). These errors sometimes occur due to a lack of knowledge surrounding dosing and scheduling, confusion between doses and concentration of medications and even a lack of awareness of the different types of insulin or the storing of these medications (Mancha et al.). A lack of understanding surrounding the medications themselves frequently leads to medication errors when using high-alert medications. High-alert medications should be handled with extra care and attention in order to avoid mistakes that may cause serious harm or death.
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Analysis
I frequently prepare and administer high-alert medications in my role as a nurse, so it is critical for me to be knowledgeable regarding the process of administering these medications. These medications must be treated with the appropriate level of precaution and care, and any consequences resulting from improper administration must be taken seriously because they have the potential to be lethal. I need to make sure that in my role as a healthcare professional, I am always up-to-date with current policies and procedures surrounding the preparation and administration of all medications.
Ethical Implications of Medication Errors
When discussing medication errors, one should also address the ethical implications of such. The focus of which should surround the four ethical principles of autonomy (right to self-determination), beneficence and nonmaleficence (do good and do no harm) and veracity (honesty/truthfulness) (Sorrell J.M.,2017). All medication errors must be disclosed not only to the physician but also the patient, because when the patient is in the know he or she is able to make the best possible decisions regarding their treatment and care. Research shows that nurses can be hesitant when it comes to reporting medication errors out of fear from consequences. However, patients have the right to know if an error was made. They deserve to have all of the information presented to them so that they can make the best decisions regarding their care going forward. Also, if the patient is aware of the error, he or she will be more likely to speak up and identify any pertinent symptoms.
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The Patients’ Bill of Rights, which guarantees complete disclosure of all medical treatments, including medication errors, places a strong emphasis on disclosure and the right to know (Sorrell J.M., 2017). Although many medication errors are not fatal, they can still have a detrimental effect on the patient, the person who made the error, and the system as a whole. Beneficence and nonmaleficence are the ethical principles that direct healthcare professionals to do no harm (Sorrell J.M, 2017). It is important to inform patients about medication errors with the provider present in case any therapies need to be started right away.
Additionally, it is an ethical obligation to provide patients with accurate information so that they are able to make well-informed decisions regarding their care. Every institution should have clear and detailed policies for reporting medical errors in order to assist with this. Honesty is the very foundation of veracity. In order to build and maintain a trusting relationship
with patients truthfulness is necessary. A patient given the information to make informed and appropriate medical decisions also relates to the principle of autonomy.
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