Nursing Interventions That Saved Lives: Incidents of Medical Mistakes Prevented by Nurses

In the medical field, nurses often serve as the first line of defense against potential medical errors. Their expertise and experience can prevent serious and sometimes fatal mistakes. Here, we share two such cases where nurses played a critical role in saving lives.

Case 1: Erythropoietin Injection

As a nurse, I had the opportunity to prevent a significant medical error. An order was given for a patient to receive an erythropoietin injection, a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells. However, the patient was in the process of being evaluated for possible blood clots in the legs, making this medication potentially contradictory to their current condition.

Upon making this observation, I reached out to the doctor and pointed out the contradiction, citing the pending ultrasound results. Despite my advice, the doctor insisted on proceeding with the injection. I refused to administer the medication, emphasizing that my decision was in accordance with my professional ethics and abilities. I suggested that the doctor consult with the charge nurse, who was more knowledgeable in such situations.

After about 20 minutes, the doctor called back, informing me that the order for erythropoietin had been canceled. By preventing this potentially fatal mistake, I ensured the patient's safety and avoided a serious medical issue.

Case 2: Unnecessary Anticoagulant Administration

A few years ago, I worked alongside a nurse who demonstrated exceptional vigilance in preventing a grave medical error. The patient was admitted for abdominal pain and a possible gastric outlet obstruction. Given the history, a barium swallow was performed, leading to more pain for the patient.

A resident doctor, seeing the patient's condition, wrongly suspected a pulmonary embolism and ordered a substantial dose of blood thinner for the patient. The nurse assigned to the patient was hesitant to administer this medication and instead contacted the resident's supervisor—the cardiac surgeon. The surgeon promptly intervened, advising against the administration of the blood thinner and insisting that further testing for the gastric outlet obstruction was necessary.

The patient had an emergency surgery later that night, which confirmed the presence of a gastric outlet obstruction. The surgery was successful, with the removal of about 2 liters of fluid and barium from the stomach, averting a potentially life-threatening situation.

The Role of Nurse Interventions in Patient Safety

Both incidents highlight the importance of nurse intervention in patient care. Nurses possess the knowledge and skills to recognize potential errors and the courage to speak up when necessary. Their involvement not only enhances patient safety but also demonstrates the critical role they play in modern healthcare.

Nurse interventions can include:

Identifying contradictions in medical orders Challenging assumptions made by doctors Seeking further medical advice or conducting additional tests Collaborating with other healthcare professionals

In these scenarios, the nurses acted with professionalism and respect, ensuring the patient's safety while maintaining a positive and collaborative work environment.

Note: If you are a nurse and have experienced similar situations, feel free to share your stories in the comment section. Your experience can inspire and educate fellow healthcare professionals.