Question

Highlighting sections of drug names using ________ can help distinguish similar drug names making them less prone to mix ups?

1) trailing zeros
2) Abbev
3) Leading zeros
4) Tall man lettering

Answer 1

Highlighting sections of drug names using Tall Man lettering can help prevent mix-ups by emphasizing differences in similar drug names. It is more effective than the usage of trailing or leading zeros in improving drug name readability and reducing medication errors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Highlighting sections of drug names using Tall Man lettering can help distinguish similar drug names, making them less prone to mix-ups. The use of Tall Man lettering involves capitalizing certain parts of drug names to emphasize differences and improve readability, reducing the risk of medication errors. For example, distinguishing between 'predniSONE' and 'predniSOLONE' can prevent confusion. This practice is recommended by various safety organizations, including the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).

Contrarily, trailing zeros, and leading zeros, in the context of medication names, are not recommended due to the risk of dosage errors. Specifically, leading zeros should never be used before a decimal point because they can be easily overlooked, leading to a tenfold overdose. Similarly, trailing zeros should not be used after a decimal point as they might be misinterpreted, causing a tenfold underdose if the zero is not seen. These rules are more relevant to number formatting and dosages rather than the distinguishing of drug names.