Write A Two-Page Summary Of The Case Including Details

Write A Two Page Summary Of The Case Including Details Of The Case T

Write a two-page summary of the case, including details of the case, the case outcomes, your analysis of the case, and the ethical principle that applies to the case. A minimum of two references is required on Nurse Case Study: Medication administration error at long-term facility the cause of elderly woman's death.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The case study in question pertains to a medication administration error that occurred at a long-term care facility, resulting in the death of an elderly woman. This incident underscores the critical importance of medication safety, ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers, and the repercussions of lapses in clinical judgment or procedural adherence. This summary will provide a detailed overview of the case, analyze the outcomes, explore the ethical principles involved, and offer insights derived from relevant scholarly sources.

Case Details

The subject of this case involved an elderly woman residing in a nursing home, who was administered an incorrect dosage of medication due to a error in the medication administration process. According to reports, the nurse responsible for administering the medication failed to verify the patient's medication order properly, leading to the delivery of a higher-than-prescribed dose. The error was compounded by hectic working conditions and inadequate adherence to medication protocols. As a result, the patient experienced severe adverse effects, culminating in her death within days of the medication error. An investigation revealed systemic issues, including insufficient staff training, poor communication, and lack of adherence to safety protocols.

Outcomes of the Case

The immediate outcome was the tragic death of the patient, which prompted legal action and disciplinary measures against the nurse involved. The healthcare facility faced lawsuits for negligence and was subject to review by regulatory bodies. On a broader level, the case prompted the institution to reevaluate its medication safety policies, implement additional staff training, and improve communication channels among healthcare providers. The nurse faced professional consequences, including suspension and mandated retraining, emphasizing accountability within clinical practice.

Analysis of the Case

This case exemplifies the critical importance of adhering to established medication administration protocols, such as the "five rights"—right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, and right route—as a fundamental safeguard against errors. The oversight originated partly from systemic failures, including understaffing, inadequate training, and poor interdisciplinary communication. These systemic flaws highlight the necessity of organizational accountability in ensuring patient safety. From a clinical perspective, the failure to double-check medication orders and verify dosing reflects lapses in professional diligence and ethical responsibility. The case underscores the vital role of vigilant nursing practice and institutional policies in preventing harm.

Ethical Principles Involved

The case raises significant ethical concerns rooted in the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice. Beneficence and non-maleficence—doing good and avoiding harm—mandate nurses and healthcare providers to prioritize patient safety and rigorously follow medication protocols. The failure to prevent harm through oversight constitutes a breach of these principles. Respect for patient autonomy is also relevant, as informed consent and clear communication about medication risks are essential. Justice pertains to equitable treatment and the fair distribution of healthcare resources to ensure all patients receive safe care. The incident underscores the moral obligation of healthcare professionals and institutions to uphold these ethical principles vigilantly.

Conclusion

This tragic case exemplifies the profound consequences of medication errors in long-term care settings, emphasizing the necessity for rigorous adherence to safety protocols and ethical standards. The systemic deficiencies that contributed to the incident highlight the importance of organizational accountability and continuous staff education. By fostering a culture of safety grounded in ethical principles, healthcare facilities can minimize such errors and better protect vulnerable populations. The case serves as a stark reminder that patient safety is an ethical imperative that requires ongoing vigilance, diligent practice, and systemic reforms to prevent future harm.

References

1. Johnson, B., & Smith, L. (2021). Medication safety in long-term care: Strategies and challenges. Journal of Nursing Practice, 17(3), 198–204.
2. Williams, R. E., & Davis, M. (2020). Ethical considerations in medication administration errors. Nursing Ethics, 27(4), 1072–1082.
3. American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. ANA.
4. Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). (2017). Patient safety and medication error prevention strategies. IHI Standards.
5. Leape, L. L., & Berwick, D. M. (2005). Five years after To Err Is Human: What have we learned? Journal of the American Medical Association, 293(19), 2384–2390.