HospitalInspections.org

Based on a review of Patient Safety document, medical record review and staff interview it was determined in 1 of 10 (Pt #1) medical records reviewed the Hospital failed to ensure medication allergies were verified prior to ordering and administering medication to ensure safe medication administration.
Findings include:

1. The Hospital Patient Safety document titled "New Patient Armbands To Improve Patient Safety" was reviewed. The document has 4 alert symbols. One of the triangular shaped symbols indicates "Allergy" and documented next to the symbol it indicates "The patient has allergies please check the chart before giving them anything."

1. The medical record for Pt #1 was reviewed on 6/19/13. Pt #1 was admitted to the Hospital on 5/6/13 with the diagnosis Acute Diverticulitis. The Emergency Room Triage dated 5/6/13 at 9:35AM indicated Pt #1 had Ciprofloxacin listed as a "Coded Allergy." On 5/6/13 at 1350 a physician's order indicated "IV Cipro 400mg." Emergency Department (ED) Nursing documentation indicated Cipro 400mg at 200ml/hr was started at 1645.

2. A staff interview was conducted with the Pharmacist on 6/18/13 at 3:00PM. The Pharmacist stated that ED personnel "should" check for patient allergies prior to administering medication. The Director of Quality and compliance stated that the Physician is expected to check the patient's allergies prior to ordering the medication and the nursing staff are expected to check the patient's allergies prior to administration.

Based on a review of Patient Safety document, medical record review and staff interview it was determined in 1 of 10 (Pt #1) medical records reviewed the Hospital failed to ensure medication allergies were verified prior to ordering and administering medication to ensure safe medication administration.
Findings include:

1. The Hospital Patient Safety document titled "New Patient Armbands To Improve Patient Safety" was reviewed. The document has 4 alert symbols. One of the triangular shaped symbols indicates "Allergy" and documented next to the symbol it indicates "The patient has allergies please check the chart before giving them anything."

1. The medical record for Pt #1 was reviewed on 6/19/13. Pt #1 was admitted to the Hospital on 5/6/13 with the diagnosis Acute Diverticulitis. The Emergency Room Triage dated 5/6/13 at 9:35AM indicated Pt #1 had Ciprofloxacin listed as a "Coded Allergy." On 5/6/13 at 1350 a physician's order indicated "IV Cipro 400mg." Emergency Department (ED) Nursing documentation indicated Cipro 400mg at 200ml/hr was started at 1645.

2. A staff interview was conducted with the Pharmacist on 6/18/13 at 3:00PM. The Pharmacist stated that ED personnel "should" check for patient allergies prior to administering medication. The Director of Quality and compliance stated that the Physician is expected to check the patient's allergies prior to ordering the medication and the nursing staff are expected to check the patient's allergies prior to administration.