Failure in dosage during surgical and medical care digital illustration

Failure in dosage during surgical and medical care Save


ICD-10 code: Y63

Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality

Failure in Dosage During Surgical and Medical Care

One of the most critical aspects of surgical and medical care is administering the correct dosage of medication or anesthesia. Failure in dosage can have severe consequences, including death. Unfortunately, errors in dosage are not uncommon, and they can occur for various reasons.

  1. Human error: The most common reason for failure in dosage is human error. Medical professionals are responsible for calculating and administering medication doses, and errors can occur due to fatigue, distraction, or lack of attention to detail.
  2. Inadequate training: Some healthcare professionals may not receive adequate training in calculating and administering medication doses. This can result in incorrect dosages being given to patients.
  3. Equipment malfunction: In some cases, the equipment used to administer medication can malfunction. For example, a syringe may not be calibrated correctly, resulting in an incorrect dosage being given.
  4. Communication breakdown: Poor communication between healthcare professionals can also lead to errors in dosage. For example, if a nurse fails to communicate a change in the patient's condition to the physician, the physician may prescribe an incorrect dosage.

Preventing failure in dosage requires a multi-faceted approach. Healthcare organizations must prioritize patient safety and invest in training and technology to reduce the risk of errors. The following measures can help prevent errors in dosage:

  • Standardization: Standardizing medication administration processes can help reduce the risk of errors. This can include using standardized forms for prescribing medication and establishing protocols for administering medication.
  • Technology: Technology can help reduce the risk of errors by automating medication administration processes. For example, electronic medication administration records can help ensure that the correct dosage is administered to the right patient at the right time.
  • Training: Healthcare professionals must receive adequate training in calculating and administering medication doses. This includes ongoing education to ensure that healthcare professionals stay up-to-date on best practices.
  • Communication: Effective communication between healthcare professionals is essential for preventing errors in dosage. This includes clear communication of medication orders and changes in the patient's condition.

Failure in dosage during surgical and medical care is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. However, by prioritizing patient safety and investing in training and technology, healthcare organizations can take steps to reduce the risk of errors and ensure that patients receive the correct dosage of medication or anesthesia.