#22 Nurse Case Study: Float Nurse’s Failure to Follow Sepsis Protocol Guidelines

Are you confident in your ability to advocate effectively for your patients during critical situations such as managing sepsis?

 

Today, we delve into a nurse's case study where a registered nurse (RN), working as a per diem float in an emergency department, faced challenges in managing a patient with severe sepsis. The critical issues highlighted in this case included missed patient history details, delays in treatment due to protocol errors and communication breakdowns, and ultimately, legal repercussions for the RN.

 

This case underscores several key points that are crucial for all healthcare professionals, especially nurses.

 

Key Points Discussed in the Episode:

 

• Failure to follow sepsis protocol guidelines and institute the chain of command can result in severe patient harm.
• Adequate knowledge of hospital policies, downtime procedures, and communication techniques is crucial for patient safety.
• Advocating for patients in a professional manner and documenting all actions taken is essential.
• Understanding the severity and urgency of conditions like sepsis is imperative for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
• Utilizing resources like the Surviving Sepsis Campaign and maintaining competency with national guidelines can enhance patient care.

As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to prioritize patient safety by adhering to protocols, maintaining knowledge of policies and procedures, and effectively communicating with the clinical team. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for patients and may lead to legal challenges. Let's continue to educate ourselves and strive for excellence in patient care.

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Other resources and links mentioned:

sccm.org- https://www.sccm.org/SurvivingSepsisCampaign/About-SSC

 

nso.com- https://www.nso.com/Learning/Artifacts/Legal-Cases/Nurse-case-study-Float-nurses-failure-to-follow-sepsis-protocol-guidelines-and-institute-chain-of