Preventive strategies of adverse events with potentially dangerous medications

Abstract

Objective: To describe the strategies adopted by nurses for safe administration of a potentially dangerous drug in the intensive care unit. Method: This is an exploratory study literature which included articles about potentially dangerous drugs and medication errors in intensive care units published in the period 1998 to 2009. Results: The study included 16 items that resulted in three categories of potentially dangerous medications (amines, heparin and insulin), which were described the light of error prevention strategies. Conclusion: The occurrence of adverse events with potentially dangerous medications is mostly preventable, and that for each class of potentially dangerous medications can be taken specific measures to prevent possible adverse events.