Question

Medical errors are somewhere between the 3rd and 8th leading cause of death for hospitalized patients. Most of these errors can be traced to all of the following communication problems except __________.

1) Unreadable prescription orders
2) Mishandled patient messages
3) Information that is written in blue ink in a paper medical record
4) Misfiled paper records
5) Mislabeled laboratory orders

Answer 1

The communication problem not contributing to medical errors is 'Information that is written in blue ink in a paper medical record.' Common issues include unreadable prescriptions and mislabeled orders, which can lead to serious medical errors due to communication failures and systemic issues in healthcare.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which of the five communication problems listed is not a typical contributor to medical errors that may lead to the death of hospitalized patients. The correct response is "Information that is written in blue ink in a paper medical record", as there is no evidence to suggest that the color of the ink in which information is recorded contributes to medical errors. Issues such as unreadable prescription orders, mishandled patient messages, misfiled paper records, and mislabeled laboratory orders are all common communication problems that can lead to serious mistakes.

These problems can contribute to administrative and clinical errors. Examples include doctors incorrectly applying their knowledge due to urgent and complicated situations, work overload, dealing with difficult patient concerns, interpersonal issues with other medical staff, and flawed medical protocols or equipment. To improve patient safety and outcomes, it is crucial to address these underlying communication and systemic issues in healthcare settings.