According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which of the following may lead to errors in transcribing prescriptions?

Rationale

Trailing zeros

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), the use of **trailing zeros** (e.g., writing 1.0 mg instead of 1 mg) can lead to errors in transcribing prescriptions. Trailing zeros can be misread, especially if the decimal point is overlooked, resulting in a **tenfold dosing error**, which can cause serious patient harm.

A (E-prescribing) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. E-prescribing reduces transcription errors by sending prescriptions electronically, rather than increasing risk.

B (Trailing zeros) CORRECT

This is correct. Trailing zeros can be misinterpreted during transcription, leading to dangerous dosing mistakes. ISMP specifically advises avoiding trailing zeros for safety.

C (Leading zeros) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. Leading zeros (e.g., 0.5 mg) are recommended to prevent misreading a decimal value and **help reduce errors**, not cause them.

D (Tall Man lettering) YOUR ANSWER

This is incorrect. Tall Man lettering (e.g., “predniSONE” vs “predniSOLONE”) is a safety strategy to differentiate look-alike drug names, reducing errors rather than causing them.

Conclusion

Transcription errors can have serious consequences. ISMP highlights trailing zeros as a significant risk factor, and avoiding them helps ensure accurate medication dosing and patient safety.

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which of the following may lead to errors in transcribing prescriptions?

Trailing zeros

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