Question

What might have happened if Linda had simply performed the blood sugar test exactly as ordered? Do you think Linda should have been considered responsible for the error if she had followed the orders exactly? Review the five Ws and How question in relation to this situation. Give examples of questions that Linda may have asked herself.

Answer 1

• If Linda carries out the order by checking blood sugar by 8am post breakfast will show a very high level of blood sugar value and administer insulin in relation to the temporary elevated blood sugar .This will later cause hypoglycemia to the patient.The patient experiencing this state needs meticulous care and attention
• Yes,Linda will be held responsible for the act .The blood sugar should be always checked before a food and not after food .Insulin to be administered prior to food.The patient should eat their food in less than episode minutes of insulin administration to prevent hypoglycemia. A nurse should always check the order,think rationally and do procedure and care.
• The 5 Ws in medicine are
  • Who: prescribed the medicine (doctor)
  • What: is the order given (check blood sugar at 8am and administer insulin accordingly )
  • Where:In a health care sector (hospital -medical floor)
  • When:The time to do any procedure (8am blood sugar to be checked and insulin to be administered
  • Why: The test to be performed ,indication