Clinical AdvisorNP Sued for Prescribing Too Much Medication to Patient

Medication Prescribing Error: A Medical Malpractice Case with Tragic Consequences

In an evolving healthcare ecosystem, the need for rigorous medication dosing protocols based on patient-specific conditions is underlined in a recent medical malpractice case involving a nurse practitioner and an unfortunate prescription error.

• Mrs. E, in her late 60s with end-stage kidney disease and other conditions, was incorrectly prescribed valacyclovir by an NP for a diagnosed case of herpes zoster.
• The NP, Ms. N, failed to account for the patient’s kidney disease, which necessitated a lower dosage of the medication.
• Mrs. E experienced shaking and spastic movements due to a valacyclovir overdose, leading to hospital admission and subsequent dialysis.
• Complications arose including unstable vital signs, difficulty breathing, the need for mechanical ventilation, and the development of pneumonia.
• The patient’s condition worsened, leading to a blood clot, the requirement of a tracheostomy and feeding tube, and eventual death.
• Mrs E’s widower filed a lawsuit, with expert physicians attributing the patient’s death to the prescribed overdose. The defense argued the overdose only caused temporary harm and the patient’s pre-existing conditions led to her death.
• The case was settled out of court after settlement negotiations and a private mediator’s involvement, highlighting the potential repercussions of overlooking a patient’s medical history when prescribing medications.