Keep Electrolyte Salts, Strengths, and Doses Straight

January 2018

A recent mix-up is putting the spotlight on the importance of preventing errors with electrolytes (calcium, potassium, sodium, etc).

An order for NoSalt to be added to a baby's tube feeds as a potassium supplement was misread as meaning he should receive "no salt."

The patient's potassium bottomed out...then the prescriber accidentally ordered ten times too much to bring it back up.

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Table of Contents

Med Safety Keep Electrolyte Salts, Strengths, and Doses Straight
Shortages Stay Alert for Changes Due to IV Fluid Shortages
Opioids Take Extra Caution to Prevent High-Risk Opioid Errors
Influenza Anticipate More Patients Getting Antivirals to Treat the Flu
COPD Trelegy Ellipta Will Be the First 3-in-1 Inhaler for COPD
Injectables Some IV Meds Aren't Meant for Direct Administration to Patients
Substance Use Disorder Handle Naltrexone Properly for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder
Appropriate Med Use Prioritize Orders for Meds That Are Needed for Acute Indications
Neurology & Pain IV Lidocaine Isn't Just for Arrhythmias...It Can Be for Pain Too
Calculations Stop Common Pharmacy Calculation Errors in Their Tracks