IHI.org - A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
Header Image






Reduce Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) Involving Narcotics and Sedatives:
Use Pre-Made Dosing Charts with Narcotics and Sedatives

Doses of narcotics and sedatives administered in intravenous solution are affected by flow rates, so it is important to minimize the risk of error when setting flow rates. Providing pre-made dosing charts that list the appropriate flow rates for the dose requested can help staff quickly set the correct flow rate without having to recall information from memory or do manual calculations.


Tips
  • Prepare all solutions in pharmacy.
  • Select one standard solution whenever possible to use throughout the organization so that only one dosing chart will need to be created.
  • Laminate the dosing charts so that they will last longer.
  • Provide copies of the dosing charts to all who order or administer medications, and place extra copies on patient care units.