Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration

Question 1

In the afternoon Mr. Ard started experiencing nauseous coupled with pain and persistent shortness of breath. Mrs. Ard engaged the call bell numerous times since Mr. Ard’s nausea was worsening and he was having hard time breathing, however, for about 1.25 hours no nurse appeared or responded to the help call. Much later someone responded and offered Mr. Ard nausea medication; nonetheless, this was just too late since Mr. Ard passed away. Mrs. Ard sued the hospital and her testimony in court regarding nurse’s negligence was supported by absence of medical records showing Mr. Ard having been attended. Mr. Ard’s assigned nurse, Ms. Florscheim, had failed to perform a complete assessment.

Question 2

Firstly, Mr. Ard never received the standard complete respiratory and lung status assessment. Secondly, no nurse attended the patient for over 1.25 hours. Thirdly, if any checking was done his condition was not recorded to assist follow up.

Question 3

Performing the required full assessments followed by constant tests throughout the day to check the patients progress. Responding promptly to patients’ calls for help.

Question 4

Without doubt the potential plaintiff is Mrs. Ard and the definite defendant is the hospital along with the staff assigned to Mr. Ard.

Question 5

Firstly, incomplete assessment was conducted on the patient. As a result, his condition worsened and for over 1.25 hours, no help was extended even after numerous calls for help leading to the patient’s demise.

Question 6

Complete absence of medical patient attendance documentation and first hand evidence of Mrs. Ard’s presence for the whole patient’s agonizing period.

 Question 7

Due to heavy workloads, nurses at times forget to make medical records. Some tests were done later in the day when Mr. Ard vomited.

Question 8

Present earlier documents showing Mr Ard’s medical records documentation showing prompt and full assessments. The hospital’s reputable performance history.

Question 9

The defendant’s failure to perform the required checkups on the patient, such as, offering a complete assessment of Mr. Ard’s respiratory and lung status, along with failure to perform a swallowing evaluation at any one time amounts to the defendant’s guilt.

Question 10

A formal apology by the hospital acknowledging their negligence along with monetary compensation.

Question 11

The legally available option is to appeal the jury’s decision.

References

Pozgar, G. D., & Santucci, N. M., 1996. Legal aspects of health care administration. Gaithersburg, Md: Aspen Publishers.

Pozgar, G. D., Pozgar, G. D., & Pozgar, G. D., 2014. Legal and ethical essentials of health care administration. Burlington, Mass: Jones & Bartlett Learning.