The computerized clinical documentation system installed in a healthcare organization has a feature that alerts staff to potential safety hazards. Which computer message should the nurse interpret as a safety warning when providing patient care?

Question

1. Warning: Scan the bar code on the item before using for patient care
2. Warning: Click on automatic calculation before leaving the graphic sheet section
3. Warning: Leaving the computer unattended for 1 minute will result in data not being saved
4. Warning: Administering this medication exceeds the maximum safe amount of acetaminophen

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4

Electronic medical records have been shown to reduce errors. The record can be programmed to alert clinicians about potential medication errors such as exceeding a safe dose of acetaminophen. Scanning the bar code on an item before using for patient care will ensure that the patient is charged for the item. Clicking on automatic calculation before leaving the graphic sheet section ensures the documentation is complete. Leaving the computer unattended for 1 minute resulting in data being lost will cause the nurse to re-input the information. These are not safety hazards.