Reference no: EM133692526

Question

In a bustling hospital emergency department (ED), a patient, Mr. Smith, presents with symptoms of a heart attack. The attending physician, Dr. Jones, orders an electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm the diagnosis. However, due to a combination of factors, including high patient volume, staff shortages, and interruptions, the nurse administering the medication misreads the order and instead administers a high dose of a blood thinner, heparin, intended for another patient with a different diagnosis. Organizational influence plays a significant role in this error. The ED operates under constant pressure to minimize patient wait times often leading to rushed decision-making and inadequate cross-checking of orders. Staff shortages the situation leaving nurses overwhelmed and more susceptible to errors. Unsafe supervision further compounds the issue, as there may be inadequate support mechanisms in place to ensure proper medication administration protocols are followed diligently. To avoid such errors in the future, several measures can be implemented. First, hospitals should prioritize adequate staffing levels to reduce nurse workload and prevent burnout. Second, proper medication verification processes, such as barcode scanning systems and independent double-checks by another qualified staff member, should be enforced. Third, a culture of open communication where staff feel empowered to question unclear orders.