Homework help: Legal issues Pitocin/chain of cmd

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Specializes in OB, L&D, NICU, Med-Surg, Ortho.

I know.. I know.. dreaded homework help.

I am scouring through cases for my Health Law and Ethics class. I'm an RN -> BSN student.

I am looking for a case involving a woman in labor on oxytocin/pitocin. A case where the nurse turns the pit off but is ordered to turn it back on.

I know I have read several of these throughout the years, but now I can't seem to find one.

I'm googling furiously. My focus will be on utiilizing chain of command. We see this issue on our unit often. Many docs have the "make 'em or break 'em" attitude and believe that simply increasing pitocin will guarantee a baby by 5 PM.

If any ob nurses (or anyone!) happens to remember the name of a legal case regarding pitocin and chain of command, I would greatly appreciate it.

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Specializes in FNP.

try pubmed or cinahl

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

http://www.13thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/opinions/htmlopinion.asp?OpinionID=16196

Maybe......excessive amounts of pitocin said to have caused etc...

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Specializes in OB, L&D, NICU, Med-Surg, Ortho.

Thanks. I have been delving through case after case looking for one where the nurse admits to not utilizing chain of command or where the doctor turns the pit back on himself.

Thank you! :)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Call the BON for your state. They may have a reference. Also, if the case you find is not in your state how valuable will it be to you? The laws differ.

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