Labeling solutions and medications in sterile procedural settings

Area of Science:

• Healthcare safety
• Medication administration protocols
• Perioperative care

Background:

• Unlabeled medications and solutions in sterile environments pose a significant risk for medication errors.
• A critical incident involved a fatal epinephrine overdose due to misidentification during surgery.

Observation:

• Marion General Hospital implemented a comprehensive medication safety policy and protocol for sterile procedural settings.
• The policy addresses medication identification challenges across various departments including surgery, ICU, and emergency services.

Findings:

• Utilizing commercially available sterile applicators and pre-labeled medication syringes can reduce the need for manual labeling.
• Sterile marking pens and various sterile label options are available to enhance medication identification.
• Professional organizations like the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses offer valuable resources and guidance on medication safety.

Implications:

• Standardized labeling practices are crucial for preventing medication errors in sterile environments.
• Adopting available resources and products can enhance patient safety during procedures.
• Hospitals must proactively develop and implement robust medication safety protocols to mitigate risks.