A 12-month audit of a paediatric ward identifies four prescriptions in which a weight-based dose was written t…

Question

A 12-month audit of a paediatric ward identifies four prescriptions in which a weight-based dose was written ten times higher than intended; two of these reached the child. All four were handwritten on the ward drug chart by junior medical staff during evening shifts, and all four passed a nursing check before administration. The unit has funding for one change. Which one of the following is most likely to prevent this type of error?

Accepted Answer

Computerised prescribing with dose-range checking

Answer

Independent double-checking by a second nurse

Answer

Mandatory recording of the child's weight on the chart

Answer

Pharmacist review of all charts within 24 hours

Answer

Ward education sessions on decimal-point errors

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