Why Medication Dosage Mistakes Are So Dangerous

Millions of people rely on over-the-counter and prescription medications to control various health conditions, including heart problems, diabetes, blood pressure, weight loss, and cancer. Medications can help to keep health issues stabilized. However, between 7,000 and 9,000 people lose their lives each year as a result of medication errors, and thousands experience complications and adverse reactions from their medications. According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 million people in the United States suffer injuries from medication mistakes each year. Medication errors are one of the leading causes of injuries in the healthcare sector, may occur at every stage and typically are due to:

• communication issues

• human error

• systematic mistakes

Before picking up a prescription, the order goes through doctors and nurses, different computer systems, and pharmacists. Every time a prescription order goes into a new system, there's a chance of a mistake happening. There isn't a single definition for medication mistakes. Each case involving medication errors is unique and potentially serious for the patient. Many institutions are in agreement about medication dosage mistakes and that they are preventable.

The Most Common Medication Errors

Wrong Medication Administered

Administering the wrong medication to a patient occurs for several reasons. Some medications have similar-sounding names. A doctor's handwriting may be misinterpreted or cause confusion about when the medication is to be administered.

Incorrect Decimal Point or Dosage Entry

A decimal point placed incorrectly in an order could result in the patient being given ten times the amount of medication the doctor prescribes, which could lead to potentially serious consequences, including painful side effects.

Transcription Errors in Medication Orders

When a mistake is made in transcribing the order, the wrong medication could be given to the patient. Doctors can usually predict and manage most issues while keeping patients safe. They should always warn their patients about potential side effects, including drowsiness or dizziness.

Dosage Miscalculation

When a healthcare professional misinterprets or miscalculates the dosage, a patient may get too much or too little of the medication. An incorrect dosage can result in the patient not getting the full effect of the medication or the prescribed treatment or having a serious side effect from an overdose.

Prescribing Medication Despite Known Reactions

When a doctor fails to recognize or overlooks a reaction to a drug when it's clearly documented on the patient's records and continues to prescribe it, the consequences could be serious and potentially fatal.

Missed or Skipped Medication Dose

Failure to provide pain medication to a patient may be due to distractions, miscommunication, or human error. Forgetting to administer a dose of medication according to schedule or skipping it altogether could be disruptive to the patient's treatment plan or detrimental to their health.

Harmful Drug Interactions

Certain medications can interact, causing adverse reactions or reducing their effectiveness. Healthcare providers must be aware of medication interactions and carefully review a patient's medical profile to avoid prescribing medications that could be harmful when combined.

Allergic Reactions to Medication

Allergic reactions to medication could be life-threatening. Severe allergic reactions may range from skin rashes to anaphylaxis, which can occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to something you're allergic to, including certain foods or medications. The condition causes the immune system to release chemicals that could result in a patient going into shock. The airways narrow, breathing becomes difficult, and the blood pressure rapidly drops to dangerous levels. Signs of anaphylaxis include a weak, rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, and a skin rash. Immediate treatment requires an epinephrine injection and ER care.

Incorrect Method of Medication Administration

Administering medication incorrectly could have devastating consequences for a patient. For example, misinterpreting a doctor's orders and giving an oral medication intravenously could be ineffective or life-threatening. Administration guidelines must always be strictly followed. The method of delivery should be double-checked for accuracy.

Medication Given to the Wrong Patient

During stressful or busy situations, administering a medication to the wrong patient may occur. Situations like this may happen if patient identification protocols aren't strictly followed. Administering the wrong medication could result in patients' orders getting mixed up, which could potentially be harmful.

Look-Alike or Sound-Alike Medications

Some medications have similar-looking or sounding names or similar packaging, which may cause confusion. Healthcare professionals need to be cautious, double-check the labels, and use barcode scanning technology to ensure the medication is administered to the right patient.

Lack of Patient Education About Medications

Patients should always be educated about the medications prescribed for them. Lack of patient education could lead to a person not taking the medication as prescribed. Patients must understand the consequences of any potential side effects, precautions, or non-compliance that could lead to misuse. Healthcare providers should counsel patients and provide clear instructions that empower them to take an active role in their treatment.

The Dangers of Medication Errors

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University revealed some startling facts about medical mistakes and why they're so dangerous. Each year in the United States, 250,000 deaths occur due to medical mistakes, which makes it the third leading cause of death in this country. There isn't any evidence to support how many of these deaths may be due to medication mistakes. However, it should be understood that most medication errors aren't reported, especially if the mistake doesn't lead to a fatality.

A medication error isn't a simple problem. The most common errors have life-threatening consequences for the patient. Healthcare providers must be diligent when prescribing medications. Patients should exercise caution, understand how the medication is administered, and consult their healthcare provider when they have questions. If you or a family member has been injured due to a medication error, it's advisable to reach out to a law firm like McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, that handles complex medical malpractice claims.