Medication errors are preventable events that can lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. While most errors do not cause harm, some can result in catastrophic outcomes or death. Common causes of errors include poor communication, look-alike and sound-alike drug names, dose miscalculations, and human factors like distractions. Nurses can help prevent errors by clarifying any unclear orders, confirming unusual doses, double checking high alert medications, and thoroughly educating patients about their medications. Reporting all errors can help identify system weaknesses and improve safety.
