Hey guys
I have an assignment where i have to write 2 to 3 pages on case studies i have been given. i am stuck and dont understand what im expected to do. My case study is as followed:
"Mr. Spencer and his child were driving home when another motorist failed to stop at a red light. Both were severely injured and taken to the local hospital. The accident and emergency department was extremely busy and in the confusion, the tourniquet, applied to Mr Spencer’s left leg correctly at the scene of the accident, was left on too long.
The leg subsequently had to be amputated.
Mr. Spencer’s wife arrived as he was returned to theatre. Shortly after he arrested and was resuscitated. His wife witnessed the events.
The next three months were particularly difficult for his wife not knowing whether her husband would survive or not. She became extremely distressed and required hospitalization for physical and emotional problems.
Their child’s condition was also critical and required surgery. He was returned to the ward with a verbal order from the recovery nurse “as much fluid as possible” despite a doctor’s order of 100ml per hour. During the course of the night, Nurse Harvey became very busy with new admissions. The observations on the child were not always carried out or if they were they were not recorded. The child’s condition steadily deteriorated and at 0000hrs he had a grand mal seizure. Nurse Harvey reported the matter to her superior who notified the surgeon. Despite the seriousness of his condition the surgeon showed total disregard for the condition of the child and did not attend. The following morning the child died. "
a) What, if any, action may Mr. Spencer take against the hospital and its staff?
b) What, if any, action may Mrs. Spencer be able to bring in her own right?
c) Following the death of the child is there likely to be a coronial inquest and if so, why?
d) Who may be called as a witness and what are the implications of not attending?
e) What are the likely outcomes following a coronial inquest?
f) Do you think further action may be taken against doctors, nurses and the hospital following the death of the child? Please explain your answer
Case Study 1 Part B
At the end of the night shift, Nurse Brown took a verbal handover and then noticed the observation chart had not been filled in. To assist her friend, Nurse Harvey, whom she knew had a busy night, filled in the observation chart and fluid balance chart for the hours from 0200 -0600hrs.
Overcome by the events of the last 24 hours, Nurse Harvey and Nurse Brown go to the local tavern for a few drinks before Nurse Harvey goes on duty. They discussed Mr. Spencer and his child. John, a friend of Mr. Spencer, overheard the conversation and joined them. He was also upset by the events of the day was most keen to discuss the accident and subsequent care.
Assume that Mr. Spencer’s child did not die. In contemplation of possible legal action, Mr. Spencer wishes to see his notes and those of his child.
g) What are the possible implications of Nurse Brown’s actions?
h)Why is the practice of discussing patients outside the work environment not acceptable?
i) Do you consider the fact that John was a friend makes any difference?
j) What, if any, legal implications may there be from the conversation with John?
k) What are Mr. Spencer’s options to gain access to the hospital records?
If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Kate.
