Negligence at work has been a signature specialty of a nurse attorney when handling cases for some nurses. However, some nurses tend to forget this fact because they really felt like they should be responsible even if they never intended to commit such an error.
At the time of the incident, an LVN was employed as a Licensed Vocational Nurse at a hospital in Garland, Texas, and had been in that position for ten (10) months.
On or about May 14, 201 8, an LVN failed to notify the physician and obtain and/or clarify orders prior to administering Magnesium Citrate with thickener and inserting a Foley catheter to a Patient, who had constipation and urinary retention. The LVN’s conduct was likely to injure the patient by depriving the physician of vital information that would be required to institute appropriate medical interventions.
In response to the incident, the LVN reports that the patient’s family called the office and the patient had not had a bowel movement. The LVN states that she got the physician authorization/orders out to see what was formulary for constipation and magnesium citrate was listed for constipation. The LVN reports that she entered the order into the computer and no alerts were present after entering the medication into the patient’s chart. The LVN states that the medication is over the counter so she stopped and picked up the medication so that the patient would not have to wait for the pharmacy to deliver it. The LVN states that she arrived at the patient’s home and that family was present. The LVN states that she poured most of the ten (10) ounce bottle of magnesium citrate into a glass, and mixed about one half to one (1) scoop of thickener into the glass of magnesium citrate.
The LVN states that she handed the glass to the patient’s family member who helped the patient take sips. Also, she states that she continued her assessment and noted that the patient had lung crackles. The LVN states that she mentioned this and the family stated that the caregiver administered some prune juice the previous night “in a hurry” and then laid the patient flat before leaving the night before. The LVN reports that the family informed her that the patient had also not voided since the previous day. The LVN states that she inserted a Foley catheter per hospice standing orders for being unable to void. And states that the patient was in no apparent distress related to breathing during the visit. She states that the patient did not have a bowel movement, and she instructed the family that it could take a little while for the medication to take effect. The LVN states she called the patient’s home later in the afternoon to check in on the patient. Then lastly, she states that the family informed her that they had called the home health company, and another nurse was sent out to see the patient.
However, the LVN failed to hire a nurse attorney to help her with her case. She also failed to present a valid defense and evidence to support her claims. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing disciplined the LVN may result in further disciplinary sanctions.
Do not fret if you find yourself in a similar situation same as that of the LVN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right nurse attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas nurse attorney. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An and text or call attorney Yong 24/7 at (832) 428-4579