High-alert medication system
NCLEX-RN glossary · Pharmacological And Parenteral Therapies
Definition
Institutional safeguards designed to prevent errors with drugs that carry a high risk of catastrophic patient harm.
High-alert medication system in plain English
Mandates independent double-checks and specific labeling for high-risk medications like concentrated electrolytes, insulin, and anticoagulants. A common mistake is bypassing the independent double-check requirement during high-workload periods or when the nurse feels confident in their expertise.
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