Question

A hospital faces a malpractice lawsuit due to a medical record error made by the on-call nurse. What kind of charting errors can lead to malpractice lawsuits? Select all that apply.

1. Failing to record drug allergies
2. Failing to record the number of siblings of the patient
3. Failing to record discontinued medications
4. Failing to record the history of cancer
5. Failing to record the patient information with legible writing

Answer 1

Charting errors that can lead to malpractice lawsuits include failing to record drug allergies, failing to record discontinued medications, failing to record the history of cancer, and failing to record patient information with legible writing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to charting errors that can lead to malpractice lawsuits, there are several types to be aware of. These include:

1. Failing to record drug allergies: This could lead to serious allergic reactions or adverse drug interactions.
2. Failing to record discontinued medications: This could result in the patient receiving medications they shouldn't be taking.
3. Failing to record the history of cancer: This information is important for making informed treatment decisions.
4. Failing to record the patient information with legible writing: Illegible writing can lead to miscommunication and errors in patient care.

It is important for healthcare professionals to accurately and thoroughly document patient information to avoid potential legal issues and to ensure patient safety.