Incorrect interpretation of drug abbreviation’s can lead to serious harm for patients. Consider the following: At 7:00 AM, Jane, a registered nurse enters the details for Mary, the last of her five patients as she completes a 12-hour shift.  As the day begins, Ann is checking on patients and reviewing their charts.  She is confused by an abbreviation “MTX” for a medication given to Mary at 4:30 AM. It can be interpreted as methotrexate (used for rheumatoid arthritis) or mitoxantrone (a cancer drug). Continue reading →