Medication Error Reporting Systems Review Quiz

What does FMEA stand for and what is its purpose?

• Failure mode effects analysis, to predict past failures

• Failure mode effects analysis, to analyze any future failure modes

• Future management evaluation analysis, to manage future risks

• Functional mode effects analysis, to evaluate current systems

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

What role do regular managerial rounds and huddle processes play in medication error identification?

• They decrease team morale

• They increase paperwork

• They help identify errors through peer-peer communication

• They are irrelevant to error identification

What is essential for initiating the process of reporting a medication error?

• Recognition/Awareness of the error

• Immediate corrective action

• Notification of the pharmaceutical company

• Patient consent

What personal factor can inhibit an individual from reporting medication errors?

• Willingness to report error

• High level of education

• Access to digital reporting tools

• Supportive management

What is the purpose of the FDA MedWatch program?

• To provide financial assistance to consumers

• To report adverse events related to FDA-regulated products

• To promote new medical devices

• To conduct medical research

Which of the following is NOT a category of products monitored by MedWatch?

• Prescription and over-the-counter medicines

• Biologics such as blood components

• Medical devices such as pacemakers

• Exercise equipment

What is the significance of 'near misses' also known as 'near errors'?

• They are irrelevant to pharmacy practice

• They indicate complete failure in medication safety

• They are important clues to prevent future adverse events

• They are used for pharmacist training only

Which of the following best describes a "just culture" approach to medication error reporting?

• Punitive measures for all errors

• No accountability for any errors

• Balancing accountability with system improvements

• Focusing solely on individual blame

Answer explanation

A "just culture" promotes a balanced approach where individuals are held accountable for reckless behavior, but the focus is primarily on identifying and improving system-based issues that contribute to errors. It avoids a purely blame-free or punitive approach.

What is a key characteristic of an effective medication error reporting system in a healthcare organization?

• Mandatory reporting of all errors

• Public disclosure of confidential error details

• Confidential and non-punitive environment

• Immediate disciplinary action for reporters

Answer explanation

An effective medication error reporting system encourages staff to report errors without fear of punishment. Confidentiality and a non-punitive environment foster open communication, which is essential for identifying and addressing safety risks.

In a well-designed medication error reporting system, what should be the primary focus of error analysis?

• Identifying individual staff members responsible

• Determining system-based causes of errors

• Calculating financial costs of errors

• Comparing error rates between departments

Answer explanation

The primary goal of error analysis in medication safety is to identify and address system-based factors that contribute to errors, such as workflow inefficiencies or communication breakdowns, rather than focusing on individual blame.