Adverse drug event

Definition

An adverse drug event (ADE) is any unintended and harmful reaction to a medication. ADEs can occur due to medication errors, side effects, or allergic reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ADEs are a leading cause of patient morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings.
2. Medication errors contributing to ADEs include incorrect dosage, wrong medication, and improper administration routes.
3. Nurses play a crucial role in preventing ADEs through accurate documentation and vigilant monitoring of patients.
4. Ethical considerations involve promptly reporting ADEs to improve patient safety and care quality.
5. Interdisciplinary team collaboration is essential for identifying potential risks and implementing preventive measures against ADEs.

Review Questions

• What are the primary causes of adverse drug events?
• How can nurses help prevent adverse drug events in clinical settings?
• Why is interdisciplinary collaboration important in managing and preventing adverse drug events?

Related terms

Medication Error: A preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm.

Side Effect: A secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical treatment.

Allergic Reaction: An abnormal immune response to a substance that is normally harmless, which can include medications.