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Reflection on medication error
Problem with medication errors
Problem with medication errors
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For this assignment, I had selected the following ethical dilemma when a nurse received her physician’s order to administer a dose of heparin to a patient. After administering the medication, she noticed that she wrote down the wrong patient name and gave them the heparin.
A nurse gave the wrong patient the wrong medication. I know that she did mistake in a hurry by writing the name of the wrong patient to give heparin. The patient even did not know that the medication was not for him. However, he accepted the medication
The two of the six rights of medication administration that were violated where the right medication, the right dosage, and the right client. The nurse failed to read the medication order three times before administering the medication, failed to scan for the right count of the medication, and as well failed to match the patient ID with the scanned
The issues are: (1) whether Dr. Stotler wrote an ambiguous order that led to the administration of fatal dose of Lanoxin and (2) whether negligence occurred as a result of not following standard of care by the nurse who misinterpreted dosage administration directions of the medication leading to fatal
Healthcare creates unique dilemmas that must consider the common good of every patient. Medical professionals, on a frequent basis, face situations that require complicated, and at times, difficult decision-making. The medical matters they decide on are often sensitive and critical in regards to patient needs and care. In the Case of Marguerite M and the Angiogram, the medical team in both cases were faced with the critical question of which patient gets the necessary medical care when resources are limited. In like manner, when one patient receives the appropriate care at the expense of another, medical professionals face the possibility of liability and litigation. These medical circumstances place a burden on the healthcare professionals to think and act in the best interest of the patient while still considering the ethical and legal issues they may confront as a result of their choices and actions. Medical ethics and law are always evolving as rapid advances in all areas of healthcare take place.
During week 4, we became familiar with the application of ethics in the nursing practice settings. We learned about ethical theories and principles, which are crucial when practicing in any clinical settings during ethical decision-making and while facing one or multiple ethical dilemmas. Also, we were introduced to the MORAL model used in ethical decision – making progress. The MORAL model is the easiest model to use in the everyday clinical practice, for instance at bedside nursing. This model can be applyed in any clinical settings and its acronyms assist
Nurse A seemed confident and calm while nurse B appeared tired. With the first patients, I noticed that both nurses were asking for first and last name and confirmed the information with the picture in the computer and the medication cup. After a few minutes, I turned my attention to nurse B because I noticed she did not ask a particular patient for his name. Instead, she relied on the name provided by a patient care technician. When she was about to give the medication to the patient, nurse A noticed that the patient on the computer screen was not the patient on the counter. She immediately told nurse B “ That is not Mr… girl ” and nurse B responded while laughing “ He looks exactly like …, I need to get some coffee ASAP”. The patient immediately realized what happened and told nurse B his name. After that, nurse B reached for the right cup and administered the medication to the patient. Even though a medication error was not committed and no harm was inflicted to the patient, by violating important QSEN competencies this incident could have caused a negative patient outcome.
Denise Dudzinski, PhD, MTS, Helene Starks, PhD, MPH, Nicole White, MD, MA (2009) ETHICS IN MEDICINE. Retrieved from: http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/pad.html
In the medical profession, doctors and nurses run into ethical dilemmas every day whether it be a mother who wants to abort her baby or a patient who has decided they want to stop cancer treatment. It is important for the nurse to know where they stand with their own moral code, but to make sure they are not being biased when educating the patient. Nurses are patient advocates, it is in the job description, so although the nurse may not agree with the patient on their decisions, the nurse to needs to advocate for the patient regardless.
In this essay the author will rationalize the relevance of professional, ethical and legal regulations in the practice of nursing. The author will discuss and analyze the chosen scenario and critically review the action taken in the expense of the patient and the care workers. In addition, the author will also evaluates the strength and limitations of the scenario in a broader issue with reasonable judgement supported by theories and principles of ethical and legal standards.
In the medical field, there are many ethical dilemmas that a person could face. One of the major dilemmas in the medical field comes from being a doctor. While attending to a patient/ client the doctor may not know the best treatment or course of action to take because of the many options there could be. The values and beliefs of a doctor can’t interfere with the treatment of a patient/client. Their job is to be honest, benevolent, respectful, and to maintain confidentiality of the patient/client.
A confused man presents into the Emergency Department in a dishevelled and unkempt state, the nurse assigned to this patient recognises the following; the man is in his mid-sixties, confused and disorientate, anxious, has an acetone breath odour, also at examination locates a haematoma on the right side of his forehead while the patient also states repeatedly that he wants to pass urine. As acknowledged previously the nurse responded in an inappropriate manner therefore making a significant impact on the care of this patient for the upcoming shift, the nurse presented signs of neglect thus actions need to be taken to keep the patient safe with the best suitable care possible.
One important fact in this case is medication that the physician administered to the patient is not listed in the case study. All information must be documented, this helps to keep track in the event the patient gets a reaction this is significant information that must be recorded. Although this may be unimportant to the case this should still be listed. As this patient condition worsened he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis. As mentioned above knowing all medications being administered are important, when treatment first began the pharmacist in this case did exceptionally well keeping track of the medications being administered. Another important factor is that the pharmacist kept track of the care being provided to the patient because the pharmacist reviewed patient results he was able to make suggestions to the physician to check the patients creatinine levels. However the pharmacist in the case is the defendant. Although the pharmacist did well in reviewing the patient’s information during most of the treatment, he did fail to do a follow up check. The
Siegler, M., and W. Winslade. "Ethics in Medicine." Clinical Ethics. By A. R. Jonsen. 7th ed. N.p.:
In every nurse's career, he or she will face with legal and ethical dilemmas. One of the professional competencies for nursing states that nurses should "integrate knowledge of ethical and legal aspects of health care and professional values into nursing practice". It is important to know what types of dilemmas nurses may face
In conclusion, there are numerous legal and ethical issues apparent in the nursing practice. Nurses should study and be as informed as they can with ethics and legality within their field in order to ensure no mistakes occur. Ethical issues vary based on patient’s views, religion, and environment. Nurses are influenced by these same views, but most of the time they are not the same as the patients. As a nurse we must learn to put the care of our patients and their beliefs, rights, and wishes before our own personal
Although both cases and scenarios delve into informed consent and patient privacy although neither side gained any financial incentives, it still calls into question of patients rights and ethical behaviors.