|
Problem
|
Adverse Effect
|
|
extravasation
|
necrosis of soft tissue
|
|
injection into an artery
|
distal thrombosis with infarction and gangrene
|
|
injection into a small vein
|
phlebosclerosis or increased risk of extravasation
|
Recommendations:
(1) Search for an another therapy that is safer.
(2) Look for an alternative route of administration that is safer.
(3) Avoid stocking or making highly concentrated solutions of the medication.
(4) Use the lowest effective dose.
(5) Dilute the drug before injection.
(6) Inject the drug into a large, patent vein with good blood flow.
(7) Make sure that the vessel is a vein and not an artery before starting the injection.
(8) Inject the drug slowly, carefully monitoring the patient for signs of any problems.
(9) Instruct the patient to immediately report any discomfort or burning.
(10) Take immediate action if there are any signs of a problem.
(11) Educate staff on the hazards of the medication.
(12) Take active steps to avoid prescription errors (excessive dose, wrong route, etc).
(13) Provide effective hazard communication when the drug is distributed to the ward.
(14) Clearly label the drug with its concentration.
