The timely administration of prescribed medications is fundamental to ensuring patient well-being and adherence to medical protocols. Not adhering to these standard procedures not only jeopardizes patient care but also creates issues regarding transparency and communication within the healthcare setting. In situations like this, the expertise of a nurse attorney is crucial for addressing the legal and ethical implications surrounding medication administration delays and ensuring accountability for patient safety.
At the time of the incident, she was employed as an RN at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, and had been in that position for three (3) months.
On or about November 7, 2021, while employed as an RN at a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, the RN did not timely administer a bicarbonate drip to a patient for a low pH of 7.0 due to a pharmacy delivery delay. Specifically, the RN stated that the medication did not arrive from the pharmacy before leaving to Interventional Radiology for a procedure. RN did not document and/or notify the physician or her supervisor that the delivery of the bicarbonate drip was delayed. Subsequently, the patient required the medication during their procedure and a dose was given via intravenous push in the Interventional Radiology procedure room. The ordered drip was initiated after the patient returned from the procedure.
Without consulting a nurse defense attorney, the RN responded to the above incident. RN stated that she notified the physician of the delay for the bicarbonate related to the pharmacy not sending it before she took the patient for their procedure. The RN reported that she received a verbal order and administered a bicarbonate push. The documentation shows the bicarbonate was administered. The RN acknowledged that in this one instance, she did not follow best practices.
The above action constitutes grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.452(b)(10)&(13) Texas Occupations Code and is a violation of 22 TEX ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(C),(1)(D),(1)(M),(1)(P)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(4).
However, without valid evidence to defend her side of the story, the RN lost the case. Furthermore, the RN failed to hire a Texas nurse attorney to help her with her case. Because of this, the Texas Board of Nursing disciplined the RN’s license.
If you happen to find yourself in a situation like the one mentioned above where your license is at risk, it is important to stay calm and not let stress or anxiety take over. The best course of action is to seek the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable nurse license defense attorney who can guide you through the legal process and help you mount a strong defense. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse defense attorney for various licensing cases for the past 18 years and represented over 600 nurses before the Texas BON. Contact the Law Office of Yong J. An 24/7 through text or call at (832) 428-5679.