A tubing connection can be assigned a risk priority number (RPN) based on its ease of connection and potential harm if misconnected.
The risk priority number requires specification of both the source and incorrect recipient tubing. If there are 2 lines that are switched then 2 risk priority numbers would be generated.
Parameters:
(1) ease of a misconnection
(2) potential harm if misconnected
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
ease of misconnection |
impossible to misconnect |
1 |
|
minimal (very difficult to misconnect) |
2 |
|
mild (difficult) |
3 |
|
moderate |
4 |
|
high (very easy) |
5 |
potential harm |
none |
1 |
|
minimal |
2 |
|
mild |
3 |
|
moderate |
4 |
|
high |
5 |
risk priority number =
= (points for ease of misconnection) * (points for potential harm)
Interpretation:
• minimum RPN: 1
• maxium RPN: 25
• The higher the RPN the greater its priority.
Specialty: Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
ICD-10: ,