Controlling and Preventing Errors and Pitfalls in Neonatal Care Delivery

Description:

The aim of this book is to inform nurses about the most common and the more serious errors made in caring for neonatal patients. Nurses play the largest role in patient care and their overwhelming workload may sometimes lead to errors that are, in some cases, irreversible or even fatal, putting a great deal of responsibility on nurses to avoid errors. And amongst patients that nurses care for, the most vulnerable of these are neonates.

This book covers learnings about the uniqueness of neonatal patients and common conditions that are seen with patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Factors that are predisposing and contributing factors for nursing errors are reviewed.  The types of errors, consequences, detection, and monitoring for nursing errors are included. The book describes how errors can be avoided with necessary precautions, and managed appropriately based on current evidence-based practice. Recommendations for further study are also provided.  This resource can be a useful tool for professional nurses, as well as nurse educators, leaders, and mentors to educate and guide their students and novice nurses.

See more medical ebooks at here:

Artificial Intelligence Applications in Clinical Chemistry

Pitfalls in Ultrasound of Thyroid Nodules

Association between statin exposure and diabetes incidence among privately-insured patients before and after applying a novel technique to control for selection bias

Update on Pediatric Hyperthyroidism

Introduction

Neonates are infants within the first 30 days of life. These patients are one of the most vulnerable populations and require specific knowledge and care. An error that occurs with a neonate has the potential to range from minor to severe, have life-long irreversible consequences, or even be fatal. Nurses have the greatest role in direct patient care, and as members of the most trusted profession have a responsibility to avoid errors and protect these defenseless patients. At this current time, there are global staffing shortages, neonatal patients are sicker and more acute, and there are more task-oriented duties assigned to nurses. These factors can create imbalances and create an overwhelming workload. The aim of Controlling and Preventing Errors and Pitfalls in Neonatal Care Delivery is to inform nurses about the most common and the more serious errors made in caring for neonatal patients. This book covers topics about the uniqueness of neonatal patients and common conditions that are seen with patients in the neonatal settings.

This book explores a variety of neonatal conditions, including prematurity, cardiac anomalies, respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal disorders, sepsis, and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Causes, signs, and management of these conditions are discussed. The types of errors, consequences, detection, and monitoring for nursing errors are included. There are multiple types of errors that can occur during the care of neonatal patients related to handling, assessment, and treatment. Medication errors can also occur which can have detrimental consequences. Multiple negative outcomes can arise from nursing errors, affecting the patient, family, and even the healthcare professionals involved. Negative effects at an organization-wide level may also occur as a result of errors.

There are a variety of strategies that can be implemented to detect and monitor for nursing errors. Process improvement and quality assurance through use of effective tools can assist with detection and monitoring of errors. System tactics and effective communication are also vital to make improvements. A workplace culture that is supportive with effective leadership can also assist in reduction of errors.

Application of just culture is discussed, and how that framework can be used to determine cause of errors, as well as the potential need for system and process improvements. Predisposing and contributing factors for nursing errors will be reviewed, which can include personal factors, such as health or knowledge, processes, and environmental factors. Often a combination of factors can exist, which can create a higher risk for errors.

The book describes how errors can be avoided with necessary precautions and managed appropriately based on current evidencebased practice. There are many practices that have been identified in studies to help prevent nursing errors, such as the use of bundles to prevent hospital-acquired conditions. System and personal considerations can also prevent nursing errors.

Case studies and examples are provided, demonstrating effective practices for reducing patient errors with neonatal patients. Recommendations for further study are also provided.

Table of contents :
Acknowledgement
Contents
Introduction
1: Overview of Common Conditions in Neonatal Settings
Transition to Extrauterine Life Complications
Preterm and Post-term
Birthweight and Growth
Infections and Sepsis
Fluid, Electrolyte, and Glucose Imbalances
Blood Disorders
Hyperbilirubinemia
Congenital Conditions
Neurological and Neuromuscular Conditions
Cardiac Disorders
Blood Gas Abnormalities
Respiratory Conditions
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Disorders
Musculoskeletal Conditions
References
2: Predisposing and Contributing Factors for Nursing Errors
References
3: Types of Errors
Errors Associated with Hospital-Acquired Conditions
Errors Associated with the Environment and Developmental Care Needs
Errors Related to Resuscitation
Errors Associated with Medical Devices and Equipment
Errors Associated with Identification
Errors Related to Procedures
Errors Affecting Skin Integrity
Medication Errors
Errors Related to Missed Nursing Care
References
4: Consequences of Nursing Errors
Levels of Harm
Avoidable Harm
Harmful Effects on Growth and Development
Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections
Urinary Tract Infections
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Disruption of Skin Integrity
Medication Errors
Widespread Effects of Patient Harm
References
5: Monitoring for and Detecting Nursing Errors
References
6: Best Practices to Prevent Nursing Errors
Scope of Practice
Bedside Report
Interdisciplinary Rounding
Standardized Communication
Strategies Specific to Infection Prevention
Approaches for Preventing CLABSIs
Best Practices for Avoiding UTIs
Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Strategies for Preventing Pressure Injuries
Prevention of Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Strategies for Preventing Medication Errors
Using a Daily Management System
Best Practices for Developmental Care
References
7: Case Studies
Case Study #1
Case Study #2
Reference
8: Recommendations for Further Study
Summary