What actions/omissions on the part of the Registered Nurse(s) contributed to the adverse outcome for the patient.

Professional accountability and patient safety essay | Bachelor of nursing

The actions and omissions of the registered nurses in this case could have contributed to an adverse outcome for the patient. First, there was a failure to properly assess the patient’s condition. A thorough assessment is essential for providing individualized care; however, it appears that there was no systematic assessment or ongoing monitoring of the patient’s progress after administration of IV medications for pain management.

Second, nursing staff failed to recognize signs and symptoms that indicated a complication from the medications administered. This could be attributed to lack of knowledge and understanding about potential side effects and contraindications associated with medication use. Additionally, nurses may not have been watchful enough when considering changes in vital signs or other physiological parameters which may have provided clues as to potential complications arising from medication therapy.

Thirdly, inadequate communication between healthcare providers also likely played a role in contributing to an adverse outcome. There should have been better collaboration among all members on the healthcare team (nurses, physicians) regarding details related to administering IV medications and monitoring patients receiving such medications over time. Nurses should also have promptly reported any changes observed in their assessments back up the chain of command including physicians who prescribed treatments so they can take necessary action if needed.

Finally, documentation errors on behalf of nursing staff could have further impacted a negative outcome by obscuring critical information about treatment plans or patient response that would otherwise help inform clinicians about what interventions are required at different times throughout care delivery processes. Inadequate documentation will lead healthcare providers down blind alleys which compromises quality and safety standards leading potentially harmul outcomes for patients.