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Medication Errors

Chicago Nursing Home Medication Errors Lawyers

Elderly patients and nursing home residents are across the country are taking multiple medications for many different concomitant medical conditions. They may be taking one drug for high blood pressure, diabetes,high cholesterol, and thyroid disorder and pain medication all at the same time. Along with taking multiple medications comes extreme caution in the administration of these medications. As the body ages our organ systems are working a decreased capacity. Organs such as the liver and kidney are vital for metabolizing and excretion of drugs. As a Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorney, I have seen that when the wrong dose or the wrong medication is given to wrong patient, the results can be catastrophic. Nursing home employees have a duty to administer medications with care and diligence. All too often medication errors occur due to nursing staff not taking the time needed to properly dispense medications. Proper administration of the prescribed dosage is critical in preventing serious complications. Unfortunately, medication errors occur. These errors can cause serious injuries and even death.

The Most Common Medications Associated with Preventable Observe Drug Reactions in Nursing Homes Were with the following class of Drugs

  • Antipsychotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Sedatives
  • Hypnotic
  • Anticoagulants

 Abserve Drug Reactions Can Include

  • Over sedation leading to confusion, hallucinations, delirium and falls
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Anaphylactic shock
  • Death

Common Medication Errors by Nursing Home Staff and Pharmacist Include

  • Administering the wrong drug and dosage
  • Misreading the physicians order
  • Administering to the wrong patient

State of the art nursing homes have installed vending or robotic machines which dispense medications for each patient. Patients are given an identification bracelet with a bar code. Each dose of medication is bar coded to correspond with the patient's bracelet. The medications are loaded into the machine at the pharmacy, and then transported to the patient care areas for dispersement. The nurse is responsible for scanning the medication and patient's identification bracelet for a match, prior to administering medication. Although, these systems are very efficient they are rarely used due to the cost.

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If you or someone you love has sustained injuries or loss from nursing home neglect or abuse, contact Nemeroff Law Offices today. Our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are available to speak with you directly.

Contact us immediately at 312–629–8800 or complete our online contact us form.

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