Virtual Challenge – International Patient Safety Goals

Before giving medication to two patients with the same name, what is the correct procedure?

• Look at the patient and recognize them by face

• Verify full name and ID number

• Verify full name

• Rely on the room number

Answer explanation

The correct procedure is to verify the full name and ID number to ensure accurate patient identification, especially when dealing with patients who have the same name. This minimizes the risk of medication errors.

Identify the correct patient ID band from the image provided.

• ID with partial name only

• ID with nickname

• ID with full name, DOB, and MRN clearly printed

• ID without DOB

Answer explanation

The correct patient ID band is the one with full name, DOB, and MRN clearly printed, as it provides complete identification necessary for patient safety and accurate medical records.

When receiving a verbal order from a physician, what is the correct procedure?

• Just write it down

• Repeat the order back to confirm accuracy

• Ask later if unsure

• Execute immediately without confirmation

Answer explanation

The correct procedure when receiving a verbal order is to repeat the order back to the physician. This confirms accuracy and helps prevent errors, ensuring patient safety.

Select which of the following drugs is considered high-alert.

• Insulin

• Paracetamol

• Heparin

• Potassium Chloride (Concentrated)

Answer explanation

Insulin, Heparin, and Potassium Chloride (Concentrated) are considered high-alert drugs due to their potential for causing significant harm if used incorrectly. Paracetamol is not classified as high-alert.

Arrange the steps of the surgical 'Time-Out' correctly.

• 1- Verify patient identity 2- Confirm surgical site

  3- Confirm planned procedure

• 1- Verify patient identity 2- Confirm surgical site, 3- Check equipment

• 1- Confirm planned procedure

  2- Verify patient identity 3- Confirm surgical site

• 1- Check equipment

  2- Verify patient identity

  3- Confirm planned procedure

Answer explanation

The correct order for the surgical 'Time-Out' is to first verify patient identity, then confirm the surgical site, and finally confirm the planned procedure. This ensures patient safety and accuracy before surgery.

Recommended duration for Hand Rub and Hand Wash?

• Hand Rub: 20–40 sec / Hand Wash: 40–60 sec

• Hand Rub: 5–10 sec / Hand Wash: 20 sec

• Hand Rub: 30–40 sec / Hand Wash: 1 min

• Hand Rub: 10–20 sec / Hand Wash: 30 sec

Answer explanation

The recommended duration for effective hand hygiene is 20–40 seconds for hand rub and 40–60 seconds for hand wash. This ensures proper disinfection and removal of germs.

Which actions help prevent patient falls?

• Raise side rails

• Ensure good lighting

• Keep call bell within reach

• Leave floor cluttered

Answer explanation

To prevent patient falls, raising side rails provides safety, ensuring good lighting helps visibility, and keeping the call bell within reach allows patients to request assistance easily. Leaving the floor cluttered increases fall risk.

First step for a high fall-risk patient?

• Move them to a shared room

• Give them a bell

• Ensure slippers are available

• Apply fall risk identification (wristband/sign)

Answer explanation

The first step for a high fall-risk patient is to apply fall risk identification (wristband/sign). This ensures that all staff are aware of the patient's risk, enabling appropriate precautions to be taken.