Originally Posted by NRSKarenRN
http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.as...0&nav=5D7lBwNp
In this case, physician at fault...
Yes this is true:
You’ve got to go over (the physician’s) head and find somebody who’s going to give you orders to take care of that patient.
When I first started my career 20+ years ago, had a night supervisor refuse permission to call attending at home (middle of night) after one of my respiratory patients was going down hill and intern's interventions weren't working. What saved my butt was I called ER doc and told her if not in room in 5 minutes patient was gonna die. Upon returning to room with IV solumedrol to push, patient had stoped breathing, I coded her and transfered to CCU.
Attending was furious. Pulmonary physician managing unit personally gave me his home phone number which I pasted in narcotic box back wall for safe keeping. Lot's of chart documentation over hourly calls to intern and supervisor. Sadly, patient died 3 days later.
Learned that lesson: go over heads to the top when indicated.
OK but honestly there is a serious difference between respiratory decompensation and slight abdomninal tenderness, don't cha think? I'd really have to hear more details about the case to say. Was she pooping? What was the nature of the tenderness (you know the usual onset, duration, quality, etc), what did her abdomen look/sound/feel/auscult like... did the physician examine the pt before discharging? Many many unanswered questions here.
Would you like to comment?
