Preventing Chemotherapy Errors With Comprehensive Medication Assessment

Preventing medication and chemotherapy errors is a priority in oncology nursing. In this article, a case is presented detailing a medication error that occurred because of inadequate assessment. Such errors still can occur despite electronic systems designed to increase medication administration safety. The authors will discuss implications for oncology nurses.

At a Glance

• Chemotherapy errors can occur if the American Society of Clinical Oncology and Oncology Nursing Society chemotherapy administration guidelines are not practiced consistently.
• Failure to observe the 10 principles of medication administration contributes to chemotherapy errors.
• Electronic safeguards may not prevent chemotherapy errors.