Madison Wills worked night shift on a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a major medical center
Sample Solution
First Action for Madison
Madison should immediately stop the IV infusion and assess the infant for signs of infection or other complications. She should also notify the attending physician and document the incident in the patient's medical record.
Significant Problem
The incorrect dosing of the antibiotic was the most significant problem. Overdosing a premature infant with an antibiotic can have serious consequences, including organ damage and even death. The infiltration, while causing discomfort, is generally less severe and can be managed with appropriate interventions.
Full Answer Section
Nurse's Responsibility for Antibiotics
When an antibiotic is prepared by the pharmacy, the nurse's responsibility is to verify the accuracy of the medication before administering it. This includes checking the dose, route of administration, and expiration date. The nurse should also ensure that the medication is compatible with other medications being administered to the patient.
Malpractice
It is possible that malpractice occurred. To prove malpractice, the following elements must be present:
- Duty of care: The nurse had a duty to provide competent care to the infant.
- Breach of duty: The nurse breached this duty by administering an incorrect dose of the antibiotic and failing to monitor the IV site.
- Causation: The nurse's actions or omissions caused harm to the infant.
- Damages: The infant suffered harm as a result of the nurse's negligence.
Whether malpractice occurred would depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the laws governing medical negligence in the relevant jurisdiction.
Responsible Party
The nurse who administered the incorrect dose of the antibiotic would likely be held responsible for the errors. However, it is possible that other individuals, such as the pharmacy technician who prepared the medication or the attending physician who ordered the antibiotic, could also be held liable depending on their involvement in the incident.
Prevention of Errors
To prevent similar errors in the future, the following measures could be implemented:
- Double-checking medication orders: Implement a system of double-checking medication orders before administration.
- Improving communication: Enhance communication between nurses and physicians to ensure that medication orders are clear and accurate.
- Providing education: Provide ongoing education to nurses on medication administration and safety.
- Reviewing policies and procedures: Regularly review and update policies and procedures related to medication administration and IV therapy.
- Using technology: Consider using technology, such as barcode scanning, to reduce medication errors.
By implementing these measures, healthcare facilities can help to ensure the safety of patients and reduce the risk of medication errors.