Minnesota Department of Health regulators found healthcare providers at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., failed to provide anesthesia care "in a safe, organized manner," according to an MPR report.
According to the report, a female patient was wrongly administered a medication that causes temporary paralysis. The medication, designed to keep patients from moving during surgery, is intended for patients who are already deeply sedated. However, the female patient was only lightly sedated at the time of administration.
Although the patient did not suffer any harm, she told state investigators she experienced difficulty breathing. Healthcare providers at Abbott Northwestern immediately realized the medication error and proceeded to administer general anesthesia.
At the end of 2010, state regulators documented the hospital's violation of the Conditions of Participation of Anesthesia Services but did not issue any citations or other penalties because the hospital had implemented "adequate corrective action," such as staff education and new policies and procedures, before a follow-up regulatory visit.
According to the report, a female patient was wrongly administered a medication that causes temporary paralysis. The medication, designed to keep patients from moving during surgery, is intended for patients who are already deeply sedated. However, the female patient was only lightly sedated at the time of administration.
Although the patient did not suffer any harm, she told state investigators she experienced difficulty breathing. Healthcare providers at Abbott Northwestern immediately realized the medication error and proceeded to administer general anesthesia.
At the end of 2010, state regulators documented the hospital's violation of the Conditions of Participation of Anesthesia Services but did not issue any citations or other penalties because the hospital had implemented "adequate corrective action," such as staff education and new policies and procedures, before a follow-up regulatory visit.
Related Articles on Medication Errors:
Four Medications Account for Majority of Elderly Emergency Hospitalizations
National Library of Medicine Updates Drug Naming Standard for EHRs
5 Lifespan Hospitals Under Investigation for Medication Mix-Ups