RN Failed to Provide Adequate Stroke Assessment and Follow-up Care

RN Failed to Provide Adequate Stroke Assessment and Follow-up Care

The healthcare environment within correctional facilities demands a high level of diligence and precision, especially when addressing urgent medical concerns. When nurses find themselves entangled in situations where the care they provide is called into question, seeking guidance from a nurse attorney becomes necessary. These legal professionals play a pivotal role in meticulously reviewing the circumstances surrounding a case, including medical records and documentation.

Let’s examine the incident that happened to an RN who was employed as a Family Nurse Practitioner and on assignment with a correctional facility in Abilene, Texas, and had been in that position for four (4) years and three (3) months.

On or about March 25, 2021, while employed as a Family Nurse Practitioner and on assignment with a correctional facility in Abilene, Texas, the RN failed to perform a complete neurological exam on a patient during a follow-up exam when the patient was experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Additionally, the RN failed to order follow-up diagnostic testing and follow-up evaluation by a provider. RN's conduct resulted in an inaccurate medical record and was likely to injure the patient from clinical care decisions based upon incomplete assessment information.

Without asking for advice from an experienced nurse defense attorney, the RN responded to the above incident and stated that during his emergency visit to the unit clinic the evening before, the patient complained of numbness to his right leg and arm. RN reports that the patient also stated, "his arteries were bothering him," verbalizing his thinking he was having a stroke. RN stated that the patient had had a neurology screening with the checklist. RN mentioned that she reviewed his neurology checklist that was documented before she saw the patient and she did not observe any neurological defect on the checklist, so focused her attention on the patient's pain. She added that the patient admitted during his interview that he was also experiencing neck and lower back pain. RN stated that to the best of her knowledge, these symptoms are associated with degenerative disc disease or musculoskeletal, rather than stroke or neurological, hence limiting her neurological examination. RN stated she ordered x-rays of the patient's lumbar and cervical spine with the intention of using the result when available to schedule a follow-up appointment and offer another referral to physical therapy which requires an updated x-ray report.

Texas Board of Nursing Disciplinary Action

The action described above was found to be a violation of the Nursing Practice Act (NPA) and as such, the RN in question faced disciplinary action. Unfortunately, the RN was unable to provide valid evidence to support her side of the story, which ultimately led to her losing the case. It should be noted that seeking the assistance of a Texas nurse attorney could have helped the RN with her case. However, since no such help was sought, the Texas Board of Nursing proceeded to discipline the RN’s license. This serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding professional standards and seeking expert guidance when needed.

Protect your License! Consult a Texas Nurse Defense Attorney Today!

Do not be stressed or anxious if you find yourself in a similar situation as that of the RN mentioned above. All you need to do is to find the right RN/LVN license attorney who can help you in the case. Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise you need for a successful outcome by consulting a knowledgeable and experienced Texas RN/LVN license attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An has helped many other nurses protect their licenses and livelihoods and can answer any questions you may have about the BON disciplinary process. 

Contact us today!