Nursing - Going to the max
SOUNDALIKE DRUGS
Since 1997, the FDA has received six medication error reports involving Volmax (albuterol), used to treat bronchospasm, and Flomax (tamsulosin HCl), for signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In the one reported case in which the patient received the wrong drug, Volmax was ordered by phone and the community pharmacist made a transcription error. The patient, a 50-year-old woman, received Flomax for several months and developed insomnia, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, runny nose, frequent urination, and chronic sinus infection.
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Similar problems can happen in an inpatient setting. When you take a verbal order, ask the prescriber to spell the drug’s brand name and generic name and tell why it’s indicated. Ask for a faxed copy of the order too.
When you administer a drug, make sure it’s appropriate for your patient’s condition; in this case, Flomax for a woman would have raised a red flag. Teach patients why they’re receiving each medication and advise them to take a copy of their prescription to the pharmacy when they pick up an order.
Copyright Springhouse Corporation Feb 2001
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