While the Majority of Medication Errors Occur in Adults, Children

question 10

Multiple Choice

While the majority of medication errors occur in adults, children experience approximately 2.3 to 6 adverse drug events per 100 hospital admissions and are up to three times more likely to experience "near-miss" errors. As a pediatric nurse, what can you do to avoid medication errors?

• A) Ask physician to give the order verbally
• B) Require written documentation of the dosage from the pharmacy
• C) Double-check medication against documentation and written signatures
• D) Provide informed consent to the patient that an adverse event may occur

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Definitions:

School-age Child

Refers to children typically aged 6 to 12 years, who are attending elementary or primary school.

Recurrent

Happening repeatedly or periodically.

Opioid Analgesics

Medicines used to relieve pain by acting on the central nervous system, often associated with a high risk of dependency and side effects.

Respiratory Depression

A reduction in the drive to breathe, often caused by medications or neurological conditions, which can be life-threatening.