in this activity, you will create a fictional medication error (older adult). By asking you to write an incident report, it is a kind of forced mistake where you can see and imagine how a failure would look and feel. But by exposing you to an error in a safe environment, we can reform it into something instructive, good, and constructive. This activity forces you to accept a failure that happened, anticipate client needs once it happens, and reflect on the emotions that will inevitably come with a medication mistake.
Download the Medication Error/Incident Report Download Medication Error/Incident Reportform.
On Page 1 of the document, create a fictional medication error (older adult). It can be as simple or as complex as you choose, but it should be an error that reaches the client. Complete all fields.
The BEERS guide might help you as you create your fictional medication error: AGS-2023-BEERS-Pocket-PRINTABLE.pdf (usc.edu)Links to an external site.
On Page 2 of the document, think about what happens after the medication error. What assessment data would you anticipate? What happens next? What additional monitoring, labs, or testing is needed? You must always notify the provider, but should you also notify respiratory therapy, the rapid response team, etc?
On Page 3 of the document, reflect on how it feels to create a fictional error, and also how a nurse might respond if they truly made this error. How will you prepare to notify the provider and/or family, and what suggestions do you have so an error like this never happens?
