HillNPStudent

I had a patient return to see me that I had given a steroid injection to a couple months ago. She returning complaining of dimpling in her gluteal muscle where the injection was administered. I know this is a potential risk of steroid injections, but I have never actually had this happen to a patient before, this was my first. I had used a low dose (40 mg IM) so I was surprised to see this. She denied pain or disability, but concerned about comestic appearance. It was a nickel size area of atrophy. I discussed with her that this always a potential risk but I had never seen it occur before. I referred her to her PCP for further eval and treatment (we are a urgent care center). My concern now is potential liability on my part for this adverse reaction? Anyone have any ideas or advice? Am I liable if she pursued legal action because of this adverse side effect?

I am a fall 2005 ANP/GNP Vanderbilt student who will be practicing in Kentucky. I recently spoke with a PA at work who informed me that Kentucky hires many more nurse practitioners who are better paid & better utilized than physician assistants. Anyone know if this is true? What is the general opinion of nurse practitioners regarding practicing in this state? I had heard through the grapevine that legislation was in the works to promote more autonomy in NP practice regarding things such as controlled substance prescribing & independent practices. Any thoughts?