Clear Communication in Medical Operations - Essay Example

The following three abbreviations chosen that were prone to error are the following: BT ( bedtime ),q1d ( once a daily), and u ( for units ). BT is commonly mistaken as BID ( twice daily ) which can be lethal when the medication can cause extreme reactions to the patient when an overdose is given. Another mistake would be q1d which can be thought of as 4 times daily since it closely resembles thus, administering a dosage four times the original dosage can have produced other unwanted symptoms such as allergy or even shock that can complete the doctor’s treatment.

The third abbreviation is u ( units ) which is commonly mistaken 0 or 4 thereby increasing the dosage as much as ten times. Consequently, the result would be an overdose that would stress out the liver or kidneys of the patient which can cause serious complications or even death. The following patient safety goals can be used as a guideline when writing or reading abbreviations.The Purpose of the safety goals is to promote safety when using abbreviations in prescribing. The Goals main focus is clarity in written communication that will result to correct administration of treatment.

Avoid cursive writing if possiblePrint the instruction using a computer so as to avoid errors in capitalization due to personal styles when using cursive writing.Write the instruction in full nameThis must be practiced to avoid errors such as HS for hs. Instead, write half-strength or bedtime to avoid confusion. Do not hesitate to review the instructions givenCheck the written abbreviation by consulting with the one who gave the instruction. Read back the instruction by clarifying the real meaning of the instruction.

Example: Ask if hs meant bedtime.Record verbal orders Some emergency situations require verbal orders. Record the order into the patient’s chart for purpose of documentation and review.