Preventing Medication Errors the case of RaDonda Vaught
Objectives:
By the end of this assignment, learner will
• Describe the appropriate processes to follow in the nursing intervention of medication administration (Developing Nursing Judgment).
• Identify the role of nursing and other inter-professional team members in providing for safety and high quality patient care (Developing Teamwork and Collaboration).
• Verbalize increased awareness of medication errors, and state 3 or more ways to improve patient safety in this case study (Developing Nursing Reflection).
• Express individual perspectives and considerations impacting individual honesty and integrity with regard to reporting of medication errors (Developing an Ethical Identity).
Directions:
1. Watch the videos listed below, and read the timeline of events
• Medication Error Kills a Vanderbilt Patient video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIeYsJywO00)
• Ex-Vanderbilt Nurse Charged with Reckless Homicide (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzV6coXvYsE)
• Timeline: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/health/2020/03/03/vanderbilt-nurse-radonda-vaught-arrested-reckless-homicide-vecuronium-error/4826562002/
2. Read the details of the case below and reflect and answer the questions below.
3. Responses should be detailed and address all components of each question. Responses should be articulated at the college level and include complete sentences, proper punctuation, and proper grammar. Responses must be typed and submitted in a Word document.
4. Upload into Canvas Assignments Preventing Medication Errors
Overview of events
On Dec 24, 2017, the client presented to the Emergency Dept at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and was diagnosed with a Subdural Hematoma (bleeding in the brain). Over the course of 2 days, the client’s condition improved, and discharge to home was anticipated on Dec 26 after a follow up radiology scan to compare to prior results. In anticipation of the scan, the patient received a dose of contrast medication and was sent to the radiology department. Due to client history of anxiety, and concerns with claustrophobic sensations, an order was obtained from the Neuro ICU physician for Versed to be administered to reduce anxiety. The administering nurse reported that she understood this needed to occur expediently, so that the test could proceed. There was a medication error during the administration process, that was discovered on the same day. The client experienced hypoxia and brain death, ultimately leading the family to remove the life sustaining equipment. Death was pronounced on Dec 26, 2017.
