TB test lawsuit?

Specialties Home Health

Published

Hi everyone....

I work for a Home Health agency and part of my job is to administer TB tests for new and current employees. I did a test to a provider two days ago and she comes back with the area swollen and red. Maybe about 20-25mm. She said it hurt and it kept her up all night because of the pain. I told her that she was positive and that she needed to get a chest xray. I also told her to go to her doctor today to get her arm checked. I'm a little scared because there are so many lawsuits in south Texas. I'm a new nurse that's why I don't fully feel confident with myself. I felt that I did everything right. Used gloves, aseptic technique, told her not to scratch and to keep it clean. She said she didn't scratch it... Sorry if this is a stupid question, but: Should I worry about a lawsuit? Thanks for your time everyone!

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I wouldn't worry about a lawsuit, as long as you documented properly. It isn't your fault that she turned up positive. Try not to worry about it.

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If you followed technique I don't see where she would have any grounds for a lawsuit. Unless things have changed (and I missed it) you should let her know that in the future she needs to have a chest xray instead of the test.

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Hey everyone,

Thanks for all your replies. I feel a lot better! Thanks!

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I agree, if you did the test properly- where is your liability? The reaction she had is a positive test.Even with an allergy- that is quite a reaction. Remember: a positive reaction only shows that antibodies are present- a chest xray is needed for active/ resolved TB. I don't see where you did anything that could have caused it. :)

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