Nurses’ responsibilities are immense. Any deviation a nurse makes from the standard of care can have severe consequences, potentially resulting in medical malpractice.
Nevada, like any other state, has specific criteria for determining when nursing errors may lead to medical malpractice.
Medication administration mistakes
One of the common areas where nursing errors occur is in the administration of medications. In the United States, as many as 9,000 people die per year from medication errors.
Measuring incorrect dosages, administering the wrong medication or neglecting to check for potential drug interactions can lead to serious patient harm. In Nevada, such lapses may be medical malpractice if they result in substantial harm or injury to the patient.
Inadequate patient monitoring
Nurses play an important role in monitoring patients’ vital signs and overall well-being. Failure to recognize and respond promptly to changes in a patient’s condition can have dire consequences.
Documentation errors
Accurate and thorough documentation is a cornerstone of nursing practice. Any lapse in recording vital information, medication administration or changes in patient status can lead to miscommunication and compromise patient safety. In Nevada, incomplete or inaccurate documentation that results in patient harm may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Communication breakdowns
Nursing errors can occur when there is a breakdown in communication regarding patient care. If a professional does not communicate critical information accurately or in a timely manner, this can compromise patient safety.
Lack of informed consent
Nurses are often involved in the informed consent process, ensuring patients understand the risks and benefits of medical procedures or treatments. Failure to adequately inform patients or obtain their consent can lead to repercussions in Nevada if harm results from the lack of proper informed consent.
Nursing errors that may lead to medical malpractice in Nevada encompass a range of lapses, and nurses must uphold the highest standards of care to ensure patient safety.