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SAFETY
containers (syringes, cups, basins) and
any other solutions on or off the sterile
field in any perioperative or procedural
setting. One year later, the Joint
A LOT TO LABEL
In addition to the name
and strength of medications contained
within, labels for predrawn syringes must
have the date, time and
initials of the preparer.
Commission stated that all labels should
include the medication name, strength,
amount and expiration date. This is
required even if only 1 medication solution is on the sterile field. AORN recommends that nurses take the following
intraoperative steps:
• demonstrate an understanding of the medication;
• prepare the medication as close as possible to usage;
• use proper handoff technique when delivering the medication to the
sterile field; and
• immediately label the secondary container, confirm the dose and verify the
medication.
Your action plan
Here are a few products and practices that can reduce the risk of a medication error by making it easy to identify what's on the sterile field.
• Pharmacy involvement. A pharmacist can review orders, prepare
solutions, oversee dispensing and improve communication. Pharmacists
can also standardize medications and doses to help prevent provider orderJ A N U A R Y 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
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