One Dozen Things
Safety and Errors
Discussion Questions
1. How is the patient in this scenario at risk?
2. What concern does the nurse raise to the doctor?
3. How does the doctor attempt to address her concern?
4. How should the doctor address this concern?
5. What is a “Med-Ident” bracelet? What is the significance of the fact that the patient does not appear to be wearing one?
6. Are their situations when a physician might knowingly administer a drug that may have potential adverse effects? If so, what are those situations?
7. If administering a potentially dangerous drug, what special precautions should a physician take?
8. How would you rate the nurse’s behavior in this case?
9. Is it permissible for a nurse to administer a drug for which a written order has not been entered? If so, what are those circumstances?
10. Who has primary responsibility for patient safety? How does this impact health care team dynamics?
