Unfortunately, medical errors are a common cause of death in America. From minor miscommunications to significant, unfathomable mistakes, patients often lose their lives because of one preventable action. One type of potential mistake patients face is nurses or physicians administering medications incorrectly. Drugs can be administered in a number of different ways including orally through pill form, intravenously, or directly into the spinal canal. Some medications can be administered in more than one form while other drugs should only be administered in one particular way. When a drug is given to a patient improperly, it may lead to serious injury and death.
Oncology Nurses Can Avoid Improperly Administering Chemotherapy Drugs
During the Oncology Nursing Society’s 42nd Annual Congress, a presenter discussed the proper, evidence-based administration of vincristine to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid that is commonly used during chemotherapy treatment to block the growth of cancer. It is very effective. However, if it is administered incorrectly and directly into the patient’s spinal fluid, it will lead to paralysis, neurological defects, and death. Unfortunately, this mistake can occur when patients receive other chemotherapy drugs directly into their spine. To avoid this error, oncology nurses are encouraged to always administer vincristine through mini-IV drip bags. Not only does using a mini bag prevent incorrect administration, it can also reduce the risk of extravasation, which is the leaking of intravenous drugs into the surrounding tissue. If the drug is never administered through a syringe, then it is impossible to improperly administer it into the spine.
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