look alike are used for
different things.
• Only accept verbal
or telephone medica-
tion orders if neces-
sary and always
repeat the orders back
to the prescriber.
• Let your patients
know if they'll be tak-
ing a sound-alike/look-
alike drug so they can
be vigilant in reading
the labels on their
medications.
• Tell your patients
to immediately report
any changes to the
size, color or smell of
their medications to
the pharmacist, pre-
scriber or healthcare
provider.
Keep your staff
informed of the poten-
tial for errors and if any errors actually occur.
4. High-alert medications
Did you know that insulin is a high-alert medication? Did you also
know that you need to keep a list of your high-alert meds? The ISMP
7 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 8
These documents will help you prepare
for your next survey, says Kathy Beydler,
RN, MBA, CNOR, CASC.
CMS Emergency Preparedness
Guidelines and Notes for the Surveyor
osmag.net/H2wmKJ
ISMP List of Look-Alike/Sound-Alike
Drugs
osmag.net/vXrZ2P
ISMP List of High-Alert Medications
osmag.net/S3zfYJ
Kathy Beydler's Links
to Less Citations
STUDY GUIDE
