Common Nursing Mistakes and Errors
Welcome to Micro Learning Nuggets. In this section, we look at some of the common mistakes / errors made by nurses and offer suggestions on how to avoid / prevent them. Each learning nugget consists of:
- Problem: identification and brief description of the nursing error / mistake
- Consequence: what may happen as a result of this error / mistake
- Solution: suggestions on what to do to prevent this nursing mistake from happening.
Click on the title to view and/or download the Micro Learning Nugget (PDF format).
1. Assessment
1.1 Collecting Sensitive Patient Data
1.2 Assessing the Newborn Infant
1.3 Assessing Vital Signs in Children
1.5 Recognizing Eating Disorders
1.7. Recognizing Signs of Drug Abuse
1.8. Identifying the Right Patient
1.10 Checking for OTC Medications
1.11 Checking for Herbal Supplements
1.12 Recognizing Postpartum Depression
2. Medications
2.1 Administering Medications and Drugs
2.2 Preparing Medications for Administration
2.3 Administering Parenteral Drugs
2.6 Giving the Right Medication
2.7 Medicating Elderly Patients
2.9 Knowing Where to Get Drug Information
2.10 Avoiding IV Complications
2.11 Cleaning Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
2.12 Avoiding Too Fast IV Meds
3. Safety
3.1 Assessing Violent Patients
3.2 Managing Confused Patients
3.4 Using Gloves for Diaper Changes
4. Care
4.1 Treating Hypoglycemia in Diabetics
4.2 Caring for Urinary Catheters
4.3 Helping Patients Cope with Surgery
4.4 Monitoring Anticoagulant Use
4.5 Recognizing Blood in Stool
4.6 Providing Timely Pain Management
4.7 Caring for Dementia Patients
4.8 Using Restraints
4.10 Promoting Cancer Prevention
4.11 Educating Families
4.12 Understanding Death
5. Documentation
5.1 Avoiding Incomplete Documentation
5.2 Correcting Documentation Errors
5.3 Avoiding Plagiarism in Documentation
6. Professionalism
6.1 Keeping Patients Satisfied
6.2 Practicing Strict Confidentiality