Read the following case study and submit a 1- to 2-page essay in a Microsoft Word document using APA 6th edition in response to the questions.
Case Study:
Until recently, the risk of criminal prosecution for nursing practice was nonexistent unless nursing action rose to the level of criminal intent, such as the case of euthanasia leading to murder charges. However, in April 1997, three nurses at the Centura St. Anthony Hospital, outside of Denver, were indicted by a Colorado grand jury for criminally negligent homicide in the death of a newborn. Public records show that one nurse was assigned to care for the baby. A second nurse offered to assist her colleague in caring for the baby. A third nurse was a nurse practitioner in the hospital nursery. Because the baby was at risk for congenital syphilis, the physician ordered that the nurses give 150,000 units of intramuscular penicillin, which would have required five separate injections.
In relation to other problems the same day, the baby was subjected to a lumbar puncture, which required six painful attempts. To avoid inflicting further pain, nurse two asked the nurse practitioner whether there was another route available for the administration of the penicillin. Nurse two and the nurse practitioner searched recognized pharmacology references and determined that intravenous administration would be acceptable. The nurse practitioner had the authority to change the route and directed nurse two to administer the medication intravenously rather than intramuscularly. Unrecognized by the nurses, the pharmacy erroneously delivered the medication, prepared and ready to administer, in a dose ten times greater than was ordered—1.5 million units. As nurse two was administering the medication intravenously, the baby died. The Colorado Board of Nursing initiated disciplinary proceedings against nurse two and the nurse practitioner, but not against nurse one. The grand jury indicted all three nurses on charges of criminally negligent homicide but did not indict the pharmacist (Calfee & Plum, 1997).
Respond to the following:
- Identify what emotions are evoked as you consider the Colorado Board of Nursing case stated above?
- Should the courts take into consideration the fact that the nurses’ error occurred because they wanted to avoid causing the baby unnecessary pain? Discuss your thinking.
- Can you think of other occupations in which the consequences of unintentional errors have greater legal implications? Discuss your answer.
- How should the nursing profession respond to this frightening new legal threat?
- Which sections of the State Nurse Practice Act did the nurses violate?
Reference:
Calfee, B. E, & Plum, S. D. (1997). Nurses indicted: Three Denver nurses face prison
in a case that bodes ill for the profession. Retrieved from
highbeam.com/4397/article-1G1-19588498/nurses-indicted-three-denver-
nurses-face-prison-case
Support your responses with examples.
Cite any sources in APA format.
Submission Details
Assignment 2 Grading Criteria | Maximum Points |
Explained your emotions for the Colorado Board of Nursing case. | 18 |
Discussed whether the courts should take into consideration the fact that the nurses’ error occurred because they wanted to avoid causing the baby unnecessary pain. | 18 |
Identified and provided examples of other occupations in which the consequences of unintentional errors have greater legal implications. | 18 |
Explained how the nursing profession should respond to this frightening new legal threat. | 18 |
Identified and described the sections of the State Nurse Practice Act the nurses violate. | 18 |
Presented well-focused and coherent arguments. | 10 |
Supported answers with relevant examples and journal articles. | 10 |
Articulated clearly all judgments and lines of reasoning. | 10 |
Demonstrated insight and analysis. | 10 |
Written components. | 20 |
Total: | 150 |
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The case study presented discusses the criminal indictment of three nurses for the death of a newborn. The nurses were charged with criminally negligent homicide, and the incident raises specific questions about nursing practice and the ethical considerations surrounding it.
1. What emotions are evoked as you consider the Colorado Board of Nursing case stated above?
The Colorado Board of Nursing case presents an unfortunate situation that stirs up varying emotions, including empathy, sadness, and frustration. Empathy towards the nurses who are facing charges, frustration over the oversight of the pharmacy that delivered the incorrect dosage of medication, and sadness over the loss of an innocent life due to a healthcare error.
2. Should the courts take into consideration the fact that the nurses’ error occurred because they wanted to avoid causing the baby unnecessary pain? Discuss your thinking.
Yes, the courts should take into account the fact that the nurses were trying to avoid causing the baby unnecessary pain. It is a clear indication of their compassion and empathy, which are essential virtues in the nursing profession. The desire to reduce the baby’s pain shows their commitment to providing high-quality patient care and comfort. While the nurses’ actions resulted in an error, their intent was not malicious, and they did not intend to cause harm.
3. Can you think of other occupations in which the consequences of unintentional errors have greater legal implications? Discuss your answer.
One occupation that comes to mind is the aviation industry. Mistakes made by pilots or air traffic controllers can have severe consequences, including loss of life or property damage. Errors in the aviation industry can lead to extensive legal investigations, hefty fines, and termination of licenses. Additionally, construction workers or architects responsible for negligently built structures that cause injuries or fatalities may face significant legal action.
4. How should the nursing profession respond to this frightening new legal threat?
The nursing profession should respond to this new legal threat by creating more awareness around patient safety and error prevention. Nurses should receive continuous training on medication safety and error prevention techniques. Policies should be put in place to ensure that nurses are adequately supported in the event of errors. The nursing profession should work more closely with the healthcare industry to create a more significant appreciation for the critical role of nurses in patient care and how essential their safety is.
5. Which sections of the State Nurse Practice Act did the nurses violate?
The nurses violated the section of the State Nurse Practice Act requiring that they administer medication accurately and responsibly to their patients. The Act requires nurses to maintain accurate and current patient records, assess patient needs, and create comprehensive care plans. The State Nurse Practice Act establishes the guidelines and standards that govern nursing practice, and in this instance, it is apparent the nurses failed to adhere to the set practice guidelines leading to devastating consequences.
