....my in-laws are precious folks (I really mean it), we have always had a great relationship, and shared many experiences together...joyous times, not so joyous, and then plain ole' funny. I would like to share with you a couple of humorous occasions where my normally thoughtful and conscientious mother-in-law created a little stir....

My father-in-law (went to be with the good Lord last year) was always one that relied on Mom Holderman to assist him with numerous things, including medication administration. He was requiring some eye drops after cataract surgery and so when Dad Holderman complained about a stinging sensation after the drops administration, she looked at the container and it was labeled "Beano"....you know, the stuff you add to beans or other "gaseous-producing food" to contain the, well, flatulence! On another occassion, she was again dispensing the eye medication, and again, there was a complaint from Dad about a burning sensation....when she looked at the bottle, it was "Swimmer's Ear" solution! During both incidences, Mom said, "oh no, I used the wrong drops!", had the sense to rush him to the sink and irrigate his eyes with running water....and he was no worse for the wear thankfully.

Well, we have certainly reflected on those situations and enjoyed a good laugh, but it is an all too important and serious message for those in healthcare, who are repsonsible for medication safety....folks, take the time to assure the "rights": correct patient, drug, dose, time, route, and be aware of contraindications, allergies, and potential side-effects...take it from me, who experienced a "near miss" in my bedside career in regards to medication administration that coud have been fatal, it brought me to my knees....you never want a situation where you may have to declare the "oh no".