Answer: A. To prevent this medication error, you should have taken the following steps:
1. Double-check your work: It is important to review and verify each prescription before it is dispensed. Take the time to carefully compare the prescription information with the medication being prepared to ensure accuracy.
2. Seek assistance if unsure: If you have any doubts or concerns about a prescription, consult a more experienced colleague or the pharmacist before proceeding. It's always better to ask for help than to risk making a mistake.
3. Follow proper procedures: Adhere to the established protocols and guidelines in your pharmacy. This includes verifying the prescription, confirming the correct medication and dosage, and documenting any necessary information.
B. The responsibility for the dispensed prescription lies with both you and the pharmacist. While you should have taken the necessary precautions to prevent the error, the pharmacist also shares the responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of the medications before they are given to patients.
C. To remedy the situation before the patient is harmed by your mistake, you should take the following actions:
1. Notify the pharmacist immediately: Inform the pharmacist about the potential error and provide all relevant details. It is crucial to address the situation promptly to minimize any potential harm to the patient.
2. Follow the pharmacy's error reporting protocol: Report the error through the appropriate channels as required by your pharmacy. This may involve filling out an incident report or notifying a supervisor.
3. Communicate with the patient: If the error has already reached the patient, apologize and explain the situation honestly. Offer support and reassurance, and inform them of the steps being taken to rectify the mistake.
4. Learn from the mistake: Reflect on what led to the error and identify ways to prevent similar mistakes in the future. This may involve additional training, improving communication protocols, or implementing additional safeguards in the medication dispensing process.
Remember, medication errors can have serious consequences, so it is important to take immediate action, learn from the situation, and work towards preventing such errors in the future.
