Perioperative Medication Management

This CE course for Registered Nurses (RNs) on Perioperative Medication Management provides critical knowledge to enhance medication safety in surgical settings. Nurses will explore factors contributing to medication errors, the roles of multidisciplinary teams, and the effectiveness of interventions like reconciliation and electronic systems. The course emphasizes evidence-based guidelines for managing complex regimens across perioperative phases and strategies to improve communication, foster a safety culture, and mitigate risks during care transitions for optimal patient outcomes.

The increasing complexity of perioperative pharmacotherapy demands a well-coordinated approach to ensure patient safety. Medications used during surgery may include analgesics, antibiotics, anticoagulants, sedatives, and anesthetics—each requiring precise dosing and vigilant monitoring. Improper timing, omissions, or duplicate administration of these medications can result in significant harm. Nurses play an essential role in the multidisciplinary team by acting as the last line of defense against such errors. Effective perioperative medication management also involves reviewing preoperative medication histories, verifying orders against reconciliation lists, and maintaining vigilant oversight of intraoperative and postoperative regimens.

By completing this course, nurses will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to prevent common medication-related issues such as adverse drug events, medication omissions, and incompatible drug combinations. The course provides training in best practices for perioperative documentation, handoff communication, and patient education. Through a blend of clinical judgment and technology, participants will gain the skills to foster a safety-first culture and deliver high-quality surgical care.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the systemic and human factors contributing to medication errors and adverse medication events in perioperative settings.
• Analyze the roles of healthcare providers, including anesthesiologists and pharmacists, in ensuring safe medication management across surgical pathways.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, including medication reconciliation and electronic systems, in reducing medication errors and improving patient outcomes.
• Apply evidence-based guidelines and clinical judgment to manage complex medication regimens during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.
• Develop strategies for enhancing communication, promoting a safety culture, and implementing systemic improvements to mitigate risks during care transitions.

Who Should Do This Course

This course is designed for:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Specialties:

• Perioperative Nurse
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Critical Care Nursing
• Surgical Nursing
• Oncology Nursing
• Trauma Nurse
• Orthopedic Nurse
• Cardiovascular Nursing
• Emergency Nurse

Did You Know?

• Medication errors are the most frequently reported adverse events in surgical patients. (Source: WHO, 2022)
• Nearly 50% of all surgical adverse drug events are preventable. (Source: Joint Commission, 2023)
• Medication reconciliation at each transition point can reduce error risk by up to 67%. (Source: AHRQ, 2021)
• Studies show interdisciplinary team collaboration decreases perioperative medication errors significantly. (Source: BMJ Quality & Safety, 2020)
• Using checklists and electronic tools improves nurse confidence and patient safety during surgeries. (Source: JAMA Surgery, 2022)