Maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, especially when caring for pregnant patients. Proper documentation ensures the continuity of care, assists in monitoring patient progress, and supports sound decision-making by healthcare providers. However, lapses in recording essential information can lead to significant implications for both the patient and the nurse involved. Such discrepancies in documenting crucial information may have contributed to an untimely birth and could raise concerns about patient safety and the nurse’s conduct. When confronted with allegations related to inadequate documentation and potential impacts on patient care, seeking the guidance of a nurse defense attorney is imperative to navigate the legal complexities, protect the RN’s rights, and ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the matter.
At the time of the initial incident, she was employed as an RN at a healthcare facility in Killeen, Texas, and had been in that position for thirteen (13) years and one (1) month.
On or about September 12, 2020, through March 10, 2021, while employed as an RN at a healthcare facility in Killeen, Texas, the RN failed to accurately document sonogram dates in the medical record of a pregnant patient and failed to correctly measure fundal height. Subsequently, there was a size/date discrepancy that remained unaddressed, and the infant was delivered preterm at 32 weeks gestation, instead of what medical staff believed to be 41 weeks gestation. RN’s conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and exposed the patient and infant to a risk of harm from complications of preterm delivery.
In response, the RN stated that she failed to accurately document sonogram results but is not clear how this occurred. RN stated that she recorded the wrong date on the patient’s chart of the sonogram report, though she always uses a measurement tape per protocol to have accurate size dates. RN stated that afterward, she changed her practice to check sonogram results repeatedly and made sure to chart everything on each visit accurately. RN added that she never failed to identify discrepancies in fundal heights before or failed to consult with other providers to double-check size if needed.
After the incident, the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) initiated an investigation and summoned the RN involved. Following the investigation, the RN was found guilty of the allegations. The Texas Board of Nursing placed her RN license under disciplinary action. This situation highlights the significance of hiring a Nurse Attorney, a legal professional who specializes in nursing cases. A Nurse Attorney can provide valuable guidance and support to nurses who are facing accusations, helping them to defend their license against various allegations. Nurses must consider hiring a Nurse Attorney when faced with such situations to ensure the best possible outcome.
Seek advice from a Texas Nursing Defense Lawyer today!
In case you ever find yourself in a situation like this, it is advisable to seek the help of a skilled nurse attorney. A good nurse attorney can improve your chances of a favorable outcome. You should ensure that the attorney you choose has knowledge and expertise in handling various nurse cases so that you receive the best possible assistance. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is willing to assist every nurse in need of immediate help for nursing cases. He has been representing numerous nurses from the board for over 17 years.
You can reach him 24/7 at (832) 428-5679 for a free private legal consultation or for more inquiries.
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