Question

A 55-years old female was transported to the medical-surgical floor after recovering from a surgical procedure. An epidural catheter with morphine was place prior to surgery for postoperative pain control. Upon arrival to the floor, the client’s complained of nausea and a headache. The nurse reported to client’s complaint to the on-call physician who then verbally ordered “Demerol 75mg every three hours for pain”

The preprint medication orders from anesthesia stated, “No narcotics, sedatives, or other respiratory depressants to be given during infusion of epidural medication and for 12 hours after epidural is discontinued except by order of anesthesia.”

The nurse had not reviewed this order prior to obtaining the new order and administering the Demerol, a narcotic.

Twenty minutes later, the client was found unresponsive and aggressive resuscitation effort were implemented resulting in intubation of the client, mechanical ventilation, and transfer to the intensive care unit. When no brain activity was not found, the family made the decision to take the client from life support. The patient died shortly thereafter. The patient family filed a lawsuit against the nurse. A verdict was entered against the nurse for nearly $4 million.

Which role of the professional nurse did this nurse fail to fulfill (Select All That Apply) case study quizlet

Answer 1

Nursing professional has varied roles and responsibility and major of it is being accountable and responsible. In this case the nurse lacled proper knowledge and showed negligence. She failed to read the orders properly and administered wrong medication that led to death of the patient. The role of a nurse is to safeguard the patient and protect them from harm. In this case nurse shows negligence, lack of accountability, irresponsible nature, lack of knowledge and non professional attitude.

These unprofessional portrayal by nurse led to death of the patient and legal obligations against the nurse. Hence, it can be concluded that negligence and lack of accountability are major factors identified in this case.