Question

which of the following strategies are recommended for avoiding medication errors due to similar - sound
select all that apply.
a store all medications in alphabetical order.
b use \tall man\ letters.
c use abbreviations for medication names.
d create labels with indications
e alter computer selection screens to avoid look - alike medication
names appearing consecutively.

Explanation:

• Option B: "Tall man" letters (using uppercase letters in the middle of a medication name to highlight differences) help distinguish similar - sounding medications. For example, "Prozac" (fluoxetine) and "Paxil" (paroxetine) can be written as "PROzac" and "PAXil" to emphasize differences.
• Option D: Labels with indications (the purpose for which the medication is prescribed) provide more context. If two medications have similar names but different indications (e.g., one for pain and one for anxiety), the indication on the label can prevent errors.
• Option E: Altering computer selection screens so that look - alike medication names do not appear consecutively reduces the chance of accidental selection. A pharmacist or nurse is less likely to mis - click if similar - sounding names are not side - by - side.

Option A: Storing medications alphabetically does not directly address similar - sounding names. Similar - sounding names may not be alphabetically close (e.g., "Digoxin" and "Dilantin" are not close alphabetically). Option C: Using abbreviations for medication names can be error - prone as abbreviations may be misinterpreted or may not clearly distinguish between similar - sounding medications.

Answer:

B. Use “tall man” letters, D. Create labels with indications, E. Alter computer selection screens to avoid look - alike medication names appearing consecutively.