Trick of the Trade:
When writing opiate prescriptions, you might consider developing a system. Some people dispense these medications in increments of 10's. Some choose increments of 10, but starting with 8 (8, 18, 28, or 38 tablets). In fact, I have heard of one attending use only prime numbers!
I used to write "Do not drive while taking medications" on the prescriptions, and so when prescriptions didn't have this additional recommendation, I knew that I did not write them. I'm unfortunately not as consistent doing this and so now it's not a helpful screening approach for me.
What system have you used or heard of?
"call for DEA" our charge nurse has a list of dea numbers and so gets to verify all opiate rx- time consuming. Ugh
ReplyDeleteI'm still amazed to see people write 14 instead of "fourteen"- 14 easily becomes 44. So simple- spell it out and cross through unused spaces too while you are at it!
I LOVE the multiples of x idea, and use it myself.
Also, a careful examination of prescribing habits is in order. I'm just not convinced that all the folks walkin out of my ER with percocet rx wouldn't do just as well with an NSAID and maybe some darvocet. Some need the big guns, but most don't.
Just my two cents. ER RN and graduating FNP student
Excellent points. I also spell out the numbers. So easy to add a zero or change a single digit. Thanks for commenting, and congrats on graduating!
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