Documentations have 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.
One such incident occurred on or about August 27, 2007, to an RN in Amarillo. During the said date, the RN allegedly administered 50 mg Demerol intravenously push (IVP) to a patient, although the patient informed the RN that she was allergic to Demerol. Her action exposed said patient to the risk of harm in that she could have developed anaphylactic shock, to include: redness, swelling, and compromised airway.
This issue was filed as a complaint and sent to the Texas Board of Nursing. The Texas Board of Nursing has full jurisdiction in all cases that may affect the status of an RN or LVN’s license in the future. But they advise nurses to attend a hearing first before placing the sentence, which the RN attended for her career’s security.
In response to the incident, the RN states that she administered a lawfully ordered medication in error. When realizing the patient had an allergy she contacted the physician, administered Benadryl as ordered, and continued to monitor the patient. The RN adds that she then informed her supervisors, the patient, and the patient’s family of the mistake. She also educated the patient and the patient’s family on the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock
As a result, the Texas Board of Nursing placed her RN license to disciplinary action. It’s too bad that she failed to hire a nurse attorney for assistance, knowing that she had every reason to defend herself in the first place. Her defense would have gotten better if she actually sought legal consultation from a Texas nurse attorney as well.
So if you’re facing a complaint from the Board, it’s best to seek legal advice first. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nurse cases. To contact him, please dial (832)-428-5679 for a confidential consultation or for more inquiries.