Analisys of intravenous medication administration in sentinel network hospital

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the types and frequency of errors during the administration of intravenous medication. A Cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in three units of a hospital. Observations were conducted on 367 doses of intravenous medication, prepared by 35 nurse technicians. Data collection took place between January and August of 2008. Errors were grouped in the following categories: medication; patient; route; dosage; phlebitis check and catheter permeability. Results showed error rates present in all categories and of above 80% in the following: fail to check medication; fail to check catheter permeability; fail to check phlebitis presence. There were no errors related to route and dosage. Delayed medication in 69.75% of the doses possibly affected the expected therapeutic results of sodium ampicillin, furosemide and tenoxicam. The high error rates may have caused changes in the expected therapeutic result, giving chance for undesirable consequences for the patients.