When a loved one is admitted to a hospital in Oregon and requires surgery it is reasonable to expect that a certain level of care will be delivered. Patients and their families trust the surgeons and medical staff to be able to deliver the care needed. While there is risk involved with any medical procedure, a person should be able to trust that the person performing the procedure has the experience and know-how to properly carry out the procedure. Lack of such knowledge and experience led to nursing errors in a case in another state.
A woman had been admitted to a hospital and was being treated for a septic infection. She had a catheter in her neck and a nurse was sent to remove it in preparation for discharging the patient. The nurse removed the catheter while the patient was sitting in a wheelchair. The patient then began to complain of trouble breathing. A air embolism caused a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side.
The proper procedure for removing such a catheter is for the patient to be lying down and to slowly remove the catheter. The nurse stated that she did seek guidance from a supervisor as she was unsure of the procedure. According to the nurse, she was told to remove the catheter slowly. The supervisor denied that the nurse had requested instructions on the procedure.
A person in Oregon who believes he or she may have suffered an injury due to improper care while in a hospital may wish to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can review the facts of the case and may be able to help determine if there is a likelihood of nursing errors. In such a case, a civil suit may be a viable option and a successful claim can provide compensation for medical costs and possibly for costs of ongoing care that a person may require.