NURSING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ERRORS IN THE DOSAGE AND DILUTION OF PEDIATRIC MEDICATIONS
Keywords:
medication errors; pediatric nursing; dosage; drug dilution; patient safety; medication administrationAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/gt.v9i18edespsep.0427
Abstract
Errors related to the dosage and dilution of pediatric medications represent a significant patient safety concern due to the physiological vulnerability of this population and the need to individualize doses according to body weight, age, body surface area, and organ maturation. This systematic review aimed to analyze the available scientific evidence on nursing strategies designed to reduce errors during the dosage, preparation, dilution, and administration of medications in pediatric patients. A systematic literature review was conducted using a qualitative approach, descriptive scope, and documentary design, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, SciELO, Virtual Health Library. Studies published between 2020 and 2026 in English and Spanish addressing pediatric medication errors and preventive strategies were included. The synthesis incorporated 20 scientific studies and identified five thematic categories: factors associated with medication errors, dosage and dilution errors, nursing interventions, safety technologies, and interdisciplinary participation. The findings showed that intravenous medication administration represents one of the highest-risk scenarios. Continuous training, standardized procedures, independent double-checking, reduction of interruptions, technological support tools, and pharmacist participation were identified as relevant strategies for strengthening medication safety. The review concludes that reducing dosage and dilution errors requires a multimodal approach integrating professional competencies, institutional protocols, technological support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These measures can strengthen patient safety, improve the quality of nursing care, and contribute to the prevention of avoidable adverse events in pediatric clinical settings.
Keywords: medication errors; pediatric nursing; dosage; drug dilution; patient safety; medication administration.
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