How could the patient’s death have been prevented ? How could a safer environmen
ID: 246610 • Letter: H
Question
How could the patient’s death have been prevented ? How could a safer environment have been provided ? Define the four elements of neglect in this case ? What If? Facts: A 75-year-old patient at a licensed healthcare provider care center suffered from diabetes, dementia, coronary artery disease, and immobile decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and was unable to walk, talk, or feed herself. Her physician prescribed a daily whirlpool bath as a medical treatment for the decubitus ulcers. The facility did not have a whirlpool so she was given a regular daily bath. A certified nursing assistant prepared a bath for the patient and placed her in hot water that was 138 F and that subsequently caused severe burns from which she died 3 days later. A wrongful death action was brought. Parties settled before trial for $1.5 million. 1. Who will be named in this suit? 2. How could the patient's death have been prevented? How could a safer environment have been provided? 3. Define the four elements of neglect in this case. Source: Strine v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania et al, 894 A.2d 733 (Pa. 2006).Explanation / Answer
ANSWER 1) A certified nursing assistant who prepared for the bath of the patient, the unit incharge who didnot inform about the non availability of whirlpool, the physician who failed to check the if his instructions are followed will be named in the suit.
ANSWER 2) In order to prevent the patient's death, the staff should have reported that whirlpool is not available so that the physician would have planned so other treatment measure for decubitus ulcer. Moreover, the cheif nursing assistant should have the knowledge regarding the appropriate temperature of water to be maintained while giving bath to prevent burns. As she was unable to talk, walk and feed herself, adequate basic nursing care was required and in a gentle and patient manner as she is an elderly patient.
ANSWER 3) For a safer environment, the cheif nursing assistant would have checked the temperature of water before giving bath to the patient. This would have prevented early death due to burns. Moreover the assigned staff would have reported the non availability of whirlpool which made her condition worse as she didn't receive adequate treatment as planned.
ANSWER 4) The various neglect seen in the above scenario are:
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