Red Light, Green Light: Using High-Visibility Warning Labels to Greenlight Patient Safety

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing

Department

Nursing, School of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Linda Wofford

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Medication administration errors (MAEs) in intensive care units (ICUs) threaten patient safety, particularly during rapid response events when time is limited and speed is essential. Prompt intervention without clear visual differentiation of high-alert medications increases the risk of harm to patients. Vesicants, paralytics, anticoagulants, and other high-alert infusions can cause severe injury if administered incorrectly or through inappropriate access. Evidence shows that pre-designed, color-coded labels help reduce high alert medication administration errors in critical care settings and emergent situations. By applying a primary label to the medication bag, with additional labels proximal to the patient and above the infusion pump, providers can immediately trace the line and identify medications quickly and effectively. With collaboration between pharmacy and nursing staff, phased implementation and visual audits can begin four months after the initial introduction. Evaluation of effectiveness is monitored by comparing the occurrence of MAEs pre-intervention to occurrences after full policy adoption. Utilizing compliance audit data and financial cost analysis, an evaluation is made to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and its impact on the targeted unit. At an estimated cost of $60–$80 per roll of 500 labels, this low-cost intervention aims to promote immediate visual recognition, strengthen medication safety processes, and reduce high-alert medication errors in the ICU.

Comments

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