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Hi Nurses,

A friend of mine is very upset about a situation happen at her ltc. She has confined in me. It has got me upset to. She sent a patient to the ER. She stated that it was an emergency situation. She got the patient out of the facility as soon as possible but forget to give them

something for increase temp. She stated that she was so wrapped in the paperwork and calling the md. The ER called and asked if she gave something for temp. She told them no.

The patient died several days later. She is worried that she will be sued by the patients family. Can you nurses give my friend some piece of mine? She does have . She is covered. She is also a new nurse and feels like quitting nursing.

I am trying to get her spirits up. I felt that I needed some advice from other nurses for her. We have been friends for years. What should she do? Is this a case of nerves of being a new nurse out of school.

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Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

It depends as anyone can sue whether its a valid complaint or not. I highly doubt that giving or not giving the patient a Tylenol would have changed the outcome. The patient was probably extremely ill and she did what she needed to do and that was get the patient to the emergency room. Tell her not to worry.

As new nurses we constantly find a way to blame ourselves but as we get more seasoned and understand the disease process it will help.

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thanks for your reply.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I don't think 650mg of acetaminophen ever saved anyone's life. If she acted in a prudent manner and did what a similarly educated person would do, she'll be fine. Anyone can sue you for anything but it doesn't mean they were right or they will win.

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I don't think 650mg of acetaminophen ever saved anyone's life. If she acted in a prudent manner and did what a similarly educated person would do she'll be fine. Anyone can sue you for anything but it doesn't mean they were right or they will win.[/quote']

Agreed.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

What LM said.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I highly doubt that the patient died from lack of Tylenol.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Tell her not to worry unless she is contacted by the hospital/lawyer about a lawsuit...and if that happens, for her to immediately call her and/or seek counsel from a lawyer before she says or does anything else. We can't give her any other legal advice.

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