Family of patient filing for lawsuit on nurse

[RDCH]

Hi I Have a friend who is threatened by parents of a neonate whom she was rendering care that they will sue her because the mother found out the iv site was pulled and leaking some fluid with few drops of blood on the babys blouse. There was also backflow of blood on the iv tubing. Is this a ground for a lawsuit?

they were also complaining about not informing them prior to iv insertion and doing chest xray to the neonate. Isnt that supposed to be the responsibility of attending pedia? And to think that she was only one nicu nurse that shift caring for 3 babies.

My friend is really bothered about this incident. What r your opinion abt this? What r the possible accusations and what is there to do? Thanks.

[smo2886]

from what i know, iv insertion is an invasive procedure that would require the consent of the parents. Maybe you should tell your friend to check the forms of the chart. Some institutions actually protect their staff by having an admission consent. Some indicates there that the patient might be subjected to an iv insertion etc. Although, of course not all invasive procedures are written, only those usual procedures. Some institution requires a separate sheet for CT scan etc. It is really important to explain the protocols of the hospital prior to admission. The responsibility of explaining the protocols should be made by the nurse.

For chest xray, the patient/parents of neonate still have the right to refuse it and may do so if they wishes. A written consent is GENERALLY not required for chest x-rays.

Anyway, just my 2 cents. Anyone with more experience can tell you more. :) Hope everything will be settled and good luck to your friend.