Write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:
- Explain the ethical and legal implications of the scenario you selected on all stakeholders involved, such as the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.
- Describe strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure as identified in the scenario you selected. Be sure to reference laws specific to your state.
- Explain two strategies that you, as an advanced practice nurse, would use to guide your decision making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Be sure to justify your explanation.
- Explain the process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, one of my responsibilities is to help students understand the ethical and legal implications of scenarios they may encounter in their practice. One such scenario involves medication errors, which can have serious consequences for all stakeholders involved. In this paper, I will address the ethical and legal implications of a medication error scenario and provide strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure, as well as strategies for decision making and medication error prevention.
1. Explain the ethical and legal implications of the scenario you selected on all stakeholders involved, such as the prescriber, pharmacist, patient, and patient’s family.
In the scenario of a medication error, all stakeholders involved may be impacted in different ways. The prescriber may face legal and ethical consequences for prescribing the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage. The pharmacist may also face legal and ethical consequences for dispensing the wrong medication. The patient may suffer physical harm or even death as a result of the medication error.
The patient’s family may also be impacted emotionally and may question the competence of the healthcare professionals involved. Additionally, healthcare institutions may face legal action and damage to their reputation in the community.
2. Describe strategies to address disclosure and nondisclosure as identified in the scenario you selected. Be sure to reference laws specific to your state.
In cases of medication errors, it is important to address disclosure and nondisclosure appropriately. In some states, there are laws that require healthcare providers to disclose medication errors to the patient or their family. Patients have a right to know about their treatment and to be involved in their care decisions.
If disclosure is required, it is important to provide the information in a compassionate and honest manner. Healthcare providers should acknowledge their mistake, explain what happened, and provide information on how they plan to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future.
If nondisclosure is allowed, it is important to consider the potential consequences of not disclosing the error. While it may protect the healthcare provider from legal action, it may also harm the patient if they do not receive appropriate follow-up care.
3. Explain two strategies that you, as an advanced practice nurse, would use to guide your decision making in this scenario, including whether you would disclose your error. Be sure to justify your explanation.
As an advanced practice nurse, I would use the following strategies to guide my decision making in a medication error scenario:
1. Consult with colleagues: It is important to consult with other healthcare professionals to obtain different perspectives on the situation. This can help identify potential solutions and prevent similar errors from occurring in the future.
2. Follow organizational policies and procedures: Healthcare institutions often have policies and procedures in place for addressing medication errors. Following established protocols can help ensure that the error is addressed appropriately and prevent further harm to the patient.
Whether or not to disclose the error would depend on the specific circumstances of the situation. If disclosure is legally required, I would disclose the error in a compassionate and honest manner, while also providing information on steps taken to prevent similar errors in the future. If nondisclosure is allowed, I would carefully consider the potential consequences of not disclosing the error and follow established protocols for reporting.
4. Explain the process of writing prescriptions, including strategies to minimize medication errors.
Writing prescriptions is a critical component of healthcare practice. The process includes obtaining a complete patient history, performing a physical examination, and making an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is established, the healthcare provider selects the appropriate medication, dosage, and route of administration.
To minimize medication errors, healthcare providers should take the following strategies into consideration:
1. Use electronic prescribing systems: Electronic prescribing systems can help reduce errors by allowing healthcare providers to access current medication information, dosage guidelines, and potential drug interactions.
2. Double-check medication orders: Healthcare providers should verify medication orders before dispensing the medication. This can be done by having a colleague or pharmacist review the order or by using a computerized provider order entry system.
3. Review patient history: Healthcare providers should review the patient’s medication history and allergies to identify potential drug interactions or contraindications.
By following established protocols and taking appropriate precautions, healthcare professionals can help minimize the risk of medication errors and provide the best possible care for their patients.
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