Nursing malpractice refers to a nurse's failure to competently perform their duties, resulting in harm to a patient. Common areas of nursing malpractice include:
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Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or administering medication through the wrong route can lead to serious consequences.
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Failure to Monitor: Nurses are responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, symptoms, and overall condition. Failure to recognize and respond to changes in a patient's status can lead to serious complications.
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Communication Errors: Ineffective communication among healthcare providers, or between healthcare providers and patients, can result in misunderstandings, mistakes, and compromised patient care.
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Documentation Errors: Incomplete or inaccurate medical records can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect treatments, and potential harm to patients.
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Failure to Follow Protocols and Standards: Nurses are expected to adhere to established protocols and standards of care. Deviating from these guidelines without proper justification can result in malpractice claims.
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Negligence in Patient Care: Failure to provide adequate and timely care, including basic hygiene, turning bedridden patients, and assisting with mobility, can lead to complications such as pressure ulcers or falls.
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Inadequate Supervision of Assistive Personnel: Nurses are responsible for supervising and guiding nursing assistants and other support staff. Failure to provide adequate supervision can lead to errors and patient harm.
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Equipment Errors: Incorrect use or failure to properly maintain medical equipment can result in patient harm. This includes monitoring devices, infusion pumps, and other technological tools.
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Infection Control Violations: Failure to follow proper infection control practices can lead to the spread of infections within healthcare settings.
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Failure to Advocate for Patients: Nurses are advocates for their patients. Failure to communicate and address patient concerns or advocate for necessary interventions can lead to harm.
It's important to note that each case is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding an incident will determine whether malpractice has occurred. Nurses are expected to provide care in accordance with established standards, and deviations from these standards that result in harm may be considered malpractice.
You can reach Nursing Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
