Nurses are always at risk for accusations of medical malpractice. If someone filed a complaint against you, your license could be put in danger if not defended by a nurse attorney. An RN from Texarkana, Texas is just one of the many examples of nurses who were charged with medical malpractice and failed to hire an effective nurse attorney. R191091N0940
On or about September 21, 2018, while employed as a Registered Nurse in a medical facility in Texarkana, the RN failed to administer nasogastric tube feedings after reinserting the tube for a patient, as ordered. Additionally, the RN failed to completely document the vital signs in the patient’s electronic medical record. Specifically, the RN did not document a temperature for the patient throughout her shift.
Her conduct resulted in inaccurate medical records and was likely to injure patients in that subsequent caregivers would not have reliable information on which to base their care decisions.
On or about September 22, 2018, through September 23, 2018, the RN failed to recognize a change in patient condition and intervene, when the patient experienced a change in condition. She incorrectly documented the patient’s neurological and respiratory assessment in the patient’s electronic medical record.
Additionally, the RN failed to completely document the vital signs in the patient’s electronic medical record. Specifically, the RN did not document a temperature for the patient throughout her shift. Her conduct exposed the patient to the risk of harm by depriving the physician of vital information that would be required to institute timely medical interventions to stabilize the patient’s condition.
In response to the incident, the RN states that the patient had removed his nasogastric (NG) tube during the day and the day nurse did not try to reinsert it. She states that it was reported to her that the patient was alert and orientated to self and not to place, time, and situation. She states that around 0000 the patient’s blood pressure and pulse dropped. She states that she checked on the patient and there were no signs or symptoms of distress.
The RN reports that thirty (30) minutes prior to the blood pressure drop she had administered hydralazine and clonidine, as well as Lopressor. She reports that she rechecked the patient’s blood pressure and it was within the normal range. She states that she went back to check on the patient and he had fallen asleep, states that her co-workers informed her that the patient had not slept in about two (2) days.
The RN reports that the vital signs were still within normal limits and there were no signs of distress noted. She states that around 0530 respiratory therapy arrived to the patient’s room to administer breathing treatments and performed arterial blood gasses, which were not changed from the previous readings. She states that around 0630, she gave a report to the oncoming day shift nurses. The RN further states that she reported that she had re-inserted the patient’s NG tube and verification of placement was done via x-ray, as well as the one-time occurrence of the drop in the patient’s blood pressure. She states report was given of the patient’s restless behavior up until the time the patient went to sleep and that his vital signs had been within normal range with no signs or symptoms of distress.
The RN states that after giving a report on her other patient, the oncoming nurse came and asked her if the patient had been running cold the previous night. She states that she informed the nurse of the last patient temperature. She states that the nurse noted a significant drop since the last temperature. The RN states that she went and got the heating blanket and helped the oncoming nurse place it on the patient before she left.
Because of this, the RN was disciplined by the Texas Board of Nursing. Furthermore, the RN failed to hire a nurse attorney to help her with her case.
If someone filed a case against you involving malpractice or negligence, it is wise to consult with a nurse attorney who knows everything about nurse cases.
Consult with Texas nurse attorney Yong J. An today if you have any questions about your disciplinary process. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579.