1) How is DS different from medications marked XL, XR, CD, and LA?

2) To which kind of specific orders and documentation must the TJC official "Do Not Use" list apply? 

3) Describe an acute problem that might arise if there was confusion about carrying out an urgent order at "2" as opposed to the clarity of 1400 or 0200 hours? 

 

1. How is DS different from medications marked XL, XR, CD, and LA

• DS means double strength which indicates that the specific amount of the drug in a particular dosage form was increased but it does not mean to have an extended or delayed effects while the XL, XR, CD, and LA are medications with the same amount drug as that of the regular in which the effects last longer or there is a delay in dissolution or absorption.

2. To which kind of specific orders and documentation must the TJC official "Do Not Use" list apply? 

• TJC official "Do Not Use" list applies to all orders and medication-related documentation that are handwritten as well as free-text computer entry or on pre printed forms.

3. Describe an acute problem that might arise if there was confusion about carrying out an urgent order at "2" as opposed to the clarity of 1400 or 0200 hours?

• This is a medication error, it may be given at 2 am and another at 2 pm resulting to increase risk of adverse effect or toxicity depending on what medication is given.

Step-by-step explanation

1. How is DS different from medications marked XL, XR, CD, and LA

• DS - double strength = double amount but does not mean longer duration or onset of the drug
• XL - extra long acting, XR - extended release, CD - controlled delivery, LA - long acting = same amount but manufactured in a way that the effects take longer due to delayed dissolution and absorption of the drug.

2. See attached file

3. Describe an acute problem that might arise if there was confusion about carrying out an urgent order at

"2" as opposed to the clarity of 1400 or 0200 hours? 

• "2" may mean either be 2 am or 2 pm while 1400 means 2 pm and 0200 means 2am. For example the day shift nurse administered the drug in the morning and there is another afternoon shift nurse and he/she was not able to realized the exact time, there may be doubling of dose if he/she will administer again resulting to different adverse effects, overdosing leading to toxicity especially to narrow toxicity dose drugs.