Nursing Malpractice

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a case study of a fatal error made by a nurse in the care of an infant and raises the question of whether the error was a simple mistake or negligence on the part of the nurse. The paper details what went wrong with the infant's care and attempts to find the answer to several questions that would help determine if the nurse was acting negligently. Furthermore, the paper outlines the criteria for negligence and discusses the appropriate actions, if any, that should have been taken.

Outline
Introduction
Description and Analysis
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"This case study raises the question of simple mistake or negligence on behalf of the nurse. At midnight, Baby G, a full term, normal delivery 14-day-old infant, is admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with an admitting diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. The child is intubated, ventilated, and supportive therapy is initiated. Routine blood work revels the infant to be mildly hypophosphatemic. The physician orders potassium phosphate 1mnol/kg intravenously, times two doses, every six hours. The Registered Nurse caring for the patient is unsure of the dose, and checks with the ordering physician. The physician assures her the dose is appropriate. Subsequently, the nurse administers the medication as ordered. Over the next five hours the baby becomes increasingly lethargic and displays an abnormal electrocardiogram. Following the second dose, the baby deteriorates into sudden cardiac arrest. Urgent blood work reveals a critically high potassium level. Despite all resuscitative efforts, the infant dies."

More papers on Nursing Malpractice:

• Term Paper # 117043 : "Nursing Malpractice"
• Term Paper # 116845 : "Nursing Malpractice"
• Essay # 87617 : "Caps on Medical Malpractice Awards"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: