SAFETY IN MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION: PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY NURSING PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

The administration of medications in medium and high complexity units requires great attention from healthcare professionals. It is crucial that nurses have technical knowledge about the “13 Rights” of medication administration, which aim to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Errors in this process can lead to severe consequences and reflect a lack of ethical and legal compliance. Risks such as injuries from sharps, poor communication between team members, and protocol failures increase the likelihood of medication errors. Thus, professional training and continuous education become essential strategies. This study aimed to describe the safety practices adopted by nursing professionals during the administration of medications. An integrative literature review was conducted following the steps outlined by Mendes, Silveira, and Galvão (2008). The research question was: “What are the practices adopted and challenges faced by nursing professionals in safe medication administration?” Articles were selected from the BVS and MEDLINE/PubMed databases using specific descriptors and Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria included full-text articles from 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish that addressed medication safety in nursing. The findings revealed that barriers such as poor communication, lack of continuous training, absence of standardized protocols, and work overload compromise patient safety. However, strategies like checklist use, double-checking, and safety culture promotion proved effective in minimizing risks. Pediatric care presented specific vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of targeted training. This study emphasizes the need for institutional investments in nursing education and structured safety protocols. Strengthening professional training and fostering a safety culture are essential to ensuring quality care and reducing medication-related incidents.