[Iatrogeny: implications for nursing care]

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety

Context:

• Iatrogeny, or harm arising from medical treatment, is a significant concern in healthcare.
• Drug-related incidents are a major source of iatrogenic harm.
• Nursing personnel play a critical role in medication administration and patient monitoring.

Purpose:

• To theoretically analyze the causes of iatrogeny related to drug administration.
• To outline nursing interventions for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of drug-related iatrogenic events.
• To advocate for the inclusion of iatrogeny in nursing education.

Summary:

• The authors detail the theoretical underpinnings of iatrogeny stemming from pharmacological agents, adverse patient responses, and errors in drug application by nurses.
• Key nursing interventions are discussed across all three levels of prevention.
• The importance of incorporating iatrogeny education into nursing curricula is highlighted.

Impact:

• Enhanced understanding of drug-related iatrogenic risks in clinical practice.
• Improved nursing strategies for preventing medication errors and adverse events.
• Strengthened nursing education to better prepare future nurses in managing iatrogenic risks.