I was giving him the medication while bending over (cause he was in a wheelchair). My back was hurting, and as I got up to straighten my back, the patient pushed the medication inside his veins himself (super fast). I was shocked and I told him that he wasn't supposed to do that and he said "I don't get the rush from it if you don't do it fast". But he can have serious health effects b/c of that. I explained it to him. If something did happen to him, can I be held liable?
2006-10-20 06:13:13 · 9 answers · asked by chapped lips 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
ps: he's a drug seeker and wants to feel the "rush" from his meds. I know pain is subjective and 'whatever the patient says it is' but even when we give him large doses of pain meds that nearly knock him out, he still asks for more
2006-10-20 06:20:51 · update #1
No you can't be held liable. It was the action of the patient and not yours. That is some crazy **** though! I can't believe it.
***For all you jackasses bagging on this women she never said she didn't report it so don't make her out to be the villan. Futhermore she has every right to worry about being liable, this is her livelyhood.
2006-10-20 06:20:53 · answer #1 · answered by LuvGrapes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From your description ,If you say he's a 'drug seeker' and he personally told you he wants to get the 'rush', then as a nurse your duty is to talk this over with the doctor in charge of your patient.I think you ought to report this because pain medications can be highly addictive,so this patient might have to be put on an alternative less addicting ,equally potent generic or require counselling.Report the incident for your patient's benefit.
2006-10-20 13:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can be held liable. You should be in control of the medication at all times.
If you knew he was a potential problem patient, you should have had assistance there in case you needed help.
In the meantime, make sure you document the behavior in his chart. If nothing happens, oh well - at least someone will be warned in the future. If something does happen and you're not around to explain what happened, doctors will be able to find out what happened.
2006-10-20 13:23:32 · answer #3 · answered by birdistasty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was the patient's hand on the syringe then it is the fault of the patient not yours. If you informed the patient of the risks of pushing it in so fast and tried to get the patient into treatment for whatever the risk is, then I think you're clean.
2006-10-20 13:17:21 · answer #4 · answered by christigmc 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are a Nurse, you should be more concerned with the patient, that with the implications to you. Shame on you! Tell a doctor what happened.
2006-10-20 13:22:15 · answer #5 · answered by shake_um 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It needs to be documented, IMMEDIATELY, with your manager and risk management. Why did you let the med go? Sit on a damn chair next time!
2006-10-20 13:28:13 · answer #6 · answered by But Inside I'm Screaming 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but make sure you make a note on his chart, you want to cover yourself for any future possible problems with this patient. Make sure you tell someone.
2006-10-20 13:22:13 · answer #7 · answered by oneblondepilgrim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you let go of the needle, or somehow surrendered control of the needle, then yes. If he grabbed it out of your hand forcibly, then no.
2006-10-20 13:15:47 · answer #8 · answered by LisaT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHOA!!!! Tell that FREAK ur the nurse and to back up !!!!!!!!
2006-10-20 13:17:06 · answer #9 · answered by ~♥~Tiffany~♥~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋