AVOIDING MEDICATION ERRORS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION / CODE BLUE





Scenario:The patient above was brought into the Emergency Room with
complaints of chest pain and a drop in blood pressure.The doctor ordered
     IV Morphine for the chest pain and Dopamine infusion for the hypotension.
   
Both medications were given as ordered. Unfortunately, she forgot to put a
    label on the IV infusion containing Dopamine and did not document when 
   both medications were given.                                                                        

What is a Cardiopulmonary arrest?

A Cardiopulmonary arrest is called a Code Blue. This means the heart has
     stopped beating and the body's cells are deprived of blood supply and oxygen.
Immediate action is taken by the staff , to call a Code Blue overhead. This
summons trained personnel to that patient's bedside.

             Without a doubt, everything is chaotic. A crash cart which contains medications,
               syringes, suctioning equipment, a defibrillator, IV solutions, IV tubing and much 
                          more, is brought to the bedside. A doctor, with the help of nurses, a pharmacist etc,
helps to run the code blue. Team work is necessary.  


Learn more about: Chest pain and EKG 
                                               
                         * It must be remembered, that every attempt to correctly administer and record all                              medications should be done. EKG strips and any appropriate interventions, should
                          also be recorded. Lab values will also be ordered.                                                              

    The outcome of a Code Blue is not always what one expects. Family issues will
also have to be addressed.

Learn more about: Third degree AV Block


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