Protecting patients from potential injuries

AORN Journal,  May, 2004  by Ellen K. Murphy

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Infection. Despite the difficulty in proving the necessary element of causation In any negligence case, three cases involved infection. One concerned a mediastinal abscess after coronary artery bypass surgery (Tennyson v Phillips, no 12-02-00154-CV [Tex 12th App 2004]). Two cases that specifically alleged failure to follow aseptic technique or infection control practices were dismissed for lack of causation (Hill v University of Texas Health Center, no 12-0200084-CV [Tex 12th App 2002]; McClain v University of Texas Health Center, no 12-0100363-CV [Tex 12th App 2002]). Although it is difficult for a plaintiff to prevail in an infection case, these cases still required time and resources to defend.

Burns. Burns can result from medication, equipment, or positioning errors. In Pillers v Finley Hospital, no 3-146/021112 (Iowa App 2003), a chemical burn resulted when povidone iodine leaked under the tourniquet during preparation for an anterior cruciate ligament repair. In Winters v Wright, no 1999-CA-00483-SCT (Miss Supr Ct 2003), a thermal burn to the patient's thighs and buttocks resulted from use of a warming blanket. Systems that assure proper use of solutions, proper positioning, and proper equipment use should reduce the potential for burn injuries.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is and always has been dangerous business. Protecting patients from predictable injury is one of perioperative nurses' major roles. Media attention to the more inflammatory cases of incorrect site, procedure, or patient errors should not divert nurses' attention from protecting patients from less publicized injuries. Adherence to AORN recommended practices and JCAHO's national safety goals are crucial to maximizing patient safety.

NOTE

(1.) "2004 national patient safety goals," Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, http://www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/ patient+safety/04+npsg/04_npsg.htm (accessed 15 March 2004).

ELLEN K. MURPHY

RN, 3D, FAAN

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MILWAUKEE, SCHOOL OF NURSING

MILWAUKEE

COPYRIGHT 2004 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
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