It is worth noting that situations similar to those described in this medical malpractice case could just as easily occur at any of the healthcare facilities in the area, such as Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Medical Center, Mercy, Methodist, or Sutter.
(Please also note: the names and locations of all parties have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the participants in this wrongful death lawsuit and its proceedings.)
The physicians order for placement of a Foley catheter before surgery and after surgery complied with the standard of care as it allowed the physicians to monitor fluid intake and output in a patient who was undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Typically, Foley catheters (tubing inserted through the urinary opening of the penis with urine collected into a collection apparatus) are not inserted by surgeons unless there is difficulty with placement. Surgeons do not monitor the status of Foley catheters unless notified of problems. There was no documentation of any difficulty with placement or monitoring of the Foley catheters used in this case until January 2, 2009. Up until January 2, 2009, the facts show that the Foley catheter continued to function properly noting normal looking urine and normal amounts of urine until the green discharge from the penis was noted on January 2, 2009.
When the nurses noted green discharge the physician appropriately responded by placing a suprapubic catheter inserted through the pelvic area to allow drainage of the urine. Treatment with multiple antibiotics including Vancomycin, Zosyn, Levaquin, and Fluconazole were started appropriately in an effort to treat the infection.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
When Mr. White developed an elevated temperature and elevated white blood cell count, cultures were ordered of his blood, urine, and sputum in an effort to try to determine the source of the possible infection.
It was appropriate for the physicians to order alcohol withdrawal nursing measures as well as sedating medications to control Mr. White especially when he was hallucinating and pulling at his lines. It was appropriate for a sitter to be at his bedside to help control him for his own safety. (See Part 8 of 10.)
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.