man holding wife still during epidural dies!

[smk1]

Just read the ap report about a woman in labor at a kaiser hospital. Apparently the anethesia professional (don't know which kind crna, mda or aa) asked the husband to help hold the wife still while the needle was inserted into the epidural space of her back and, he saw the needle going in and fainted, fell over and hit his head, suffered a fatal brain bleed and died 2 days later. Of course the wife is sueing, stating that he was asked to assist the procedure and so "reasonable" care should have been taken to prevent reasonable forseable complications/accidents. My thoughts as a simply a student, is that this is a firviolous lawsuit, and the lawyer that is encouraging her to go forth with this case should be ashamed. Also I am so saddened for this family to have such a joyous event marred and a life gone without warning. I guess to all of you L/D nurses and CRNA's etc... don't ask a family member to help hold the mom still. :uhoh21: What are your takes on this?

[gypsyatheart]

You will never avoid those kinds of folks - I can't live my life in fear of them. Then they win.

steph

So true, so very true....

[Mike1991]

Maybe this is wrong, but I think this story is funny.

[mwbeah]

Maybe this is wrong, but I think this story is funny.

Dude, the man died, there is no humor in that.

Mike

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Maybe this is wrong, but I think this story is funny.

Maybe?

Had this happened to you or anyone you know, i doubt it would be humorous.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Maybe this is wrong, but I think this story is funny.

can I please ask:

what is so funny about it?

or do you mean "funny" in an "odd" way?

[Peaches N L&D]

:uhoh21: Uh oh Mike I think you better explain :uhoh21:

[Mike1991]

can I please ask:

what is so funny about it?

or do you mean "funny" in an "odd" way?

Yes funny in an odd way. If I didn't read it I would never believed it. Seriously what are the odds that this would ever happen. This is one of them stories hear hear from a friend that knows this guys who knows this guy that had a friend this happen too.

Now they are getting sue because they stated that the hospital shouldn't allow him to hold his wife. What is next? The next time a woman has a child is the husband going have to wait in the car due to a fear of a lawsuit?

[LydiaNN]

Yes funny in an odd way. If I didn't read it I would never believed it. Seriously what are the odds that this would ever happen. This is one of them stories hear hear from a friend that knows this guys who knows this guy that had a friend this happen too.

Now they are getting sue because they stated that the hospital shouldn't allow him to hold his wife. What is next? The next time a woman has a child is the husband going have to wait in the car due to a fear of a lawsuit?

I really don't think this lawsuit is going to change the hospital's practices at all, precisely because it was such a freak accident. The family will probably win some damages, at least they would if the suit were filed in my state, the litigation capitol of the world. Facilities just suck it up and go about their business. What else are they going to do?

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

I noticed at our hospital today (i got floated to L and D for C-sections ALL DAY LONG) that Dads don't come in the room until Mom has the drapes over her. He completely misses the epidural.

[kmchugh]

You will never avoid those kinds of folks - I can't live my life in fear of them. Then they win.

steph

Steph

I absolutely agree with you, 100%. On the other hand, I DO try to avoid situations that might put me in their sight picture, know what I mean?

Kevin McHugh

[kmchugh]

All kidding aside, I do understand what you mean in your earlier post. Were the faint a freakish occurance, I wouldn't worry about it. But it is rare to have more than a month go by that I don't see at least one friend/family member of the laboring patient get woozy at the sight of the epidural. As I said, I'm changing my practice, but not so much out of fear of the lawsuit, as for wanting dad/grandpa/grandma/Aunt Judy to be around after the birth of the child.

Kevin

[southlady_1]

I've worked in L&D for the past 30 yrs. We've always allowed fathers to hold the moms in labor during the epidurals IF they want to. This is in 2 different states. We USED to allow fathers to carry the baby from the OR/Delivery room to the nursery but that is no longer allowed. ALso, we triage the baby in the lady partsl delivery room and in the recovery room for C/S.

I believe as professionals, we should be responsible to assess the father/family members status prior to. I also believe that often family members, patients, etc, talk a father into the fainting/ill feelings. I have found that if I instill confidence in the father, remind him to eat and drink appropriately, they do well. They provide comfort for the patient and I'm less than 2 feet away monitoring the procedure. PLUS a chair is always close by to support him. I know that I have to watch him as well as her. If it is questionable, that is another story. But if not? :w00t: It is unbelieveable how proud a father is when his family was so sure he'd pass out and he says "no, I watched it all, and I CUT the cord.......it was so COOL!" It also enhances his bonding both with the mom and the baby.

When they don't want to, or unsure, they are given emotional support. They are never forced to leave or stay. Usually, by the time I get to the epidural or delivery time, the father and I have established a raport of trust.

Labor and delivery is a wonderful area in which the nurse can really empower the mom and father. Nursing here can really make the difference between a wonderful experience or a so so experience. The father cannot be expected to take over nursing's role.....that is negligent. But they can support and assist their partners. WE must assist them. We have to be there to monitor....why not use their helpfor the pt emotionally and physically?

Marye