Place Vials So Their Labels Are Visible to Help Prevent Errors

November 2016

Mishaps with med vials are common...due to mistaken identities.

In a recent case, fentanyl vials were placed in an automated dispensing cabinet pocket meant for atropine vials.

This error isn't surprising because fentanyl and atropine vials come in a similar size...with the same cap color.

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Table of Contents

Medication Errors Place Vials So Their Labels Are Visible to Help Prevent Errors
Storage & Disposal Keep Your Light-Sensitive Meds in the Dark
Surgery Help Avoid Delays and Errors With Topical Hemostats
Critical Care Expect to See Ketamine Infusions for Some ICU Patients
Antibiotics Be Aware of Important Differences Between Cubicin and Cubicin RF
Med Administration Stay Alert for Issues With Schedules for "Time-Critical" Meds
Cultural Awareness Watch for Special Considerations When Treating Transgender Patients
Angina Think of GoNitro as the Powder Form of Sublingual Nitroglycerin Tabs
Needles & Syringes Use the New U-500 Syringes to Draw Up Insulin Doses From U-500 Vials
Headache Expect to See Acute and Preventive Meds to Manage Cluster Headaches
Gastroenterology Clarify Orders Written Just as "GI Cocktail"
Supplements Be Aware Kratom Supplements May Have Opioid Effects