83.8k views
3 votes
James is a first-year surgery resident on his first pediatric rotation. His attending (consultant) asks him to start intravenous (IV) replacement fluids on a two-year-old boy who is having vomiting and diarrhea. Having trouble remembering the guidelines for calculating fluid replacement rates for very small children, James asks Maria, a nurse on the unit. Maria responds, "You're the doctor. It's your job to decide this." James picks a rate that is much too high, putting the child into fluid overload.

Who is likely to be negatively affected by this medical error?

(A) The patient and his family
(B) James (the first-year surgery resident)
(C) Maria (the nurse on the unit)
(D) All of the above

User Stephen J
by
6.5k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

A medical error caused by a first-year surgery resident selecting an incorrect IV fluid replacement rate for a child affects the patient and his family with direct health repercussions, negatively impacts the resident's professional and personal life, and affects the nurse, who may share responsibility for the incident; ultimately, (D) all of the above are likely to be negatively affected.

Step-by-step explanation:

When James, a first-year surgery resident, incorrectly calculates the rate for intravenous (IV) fluid replacement for a young child, the consequences are significant and multifaceted. The medical error will likely negatively affect a variety of individuals:

  • (A) The patient and his family will directly suffer due to the child being put into fluid overload, which can have serious health implications and may require further medical intervention.
  • (B) James (the first-year surgery resident) will be personally and professionally impacted by the mistake, potentially facing consequences from the medical institution, damage to his professional reputation, and the emotional burden of causing harm to a patient.
  • (C) Maria (the nurse on the unit), by failing to assist, may also share responsibility for the incident, which could result in professional repercussions or strain in work relationships.

Ultimately, the medical error likely negatively impacts (D) all of the above, encompassing the patient, their family, the resident, and the nurse. In the healthcare environment, collaboration and support among medical staff are crucial to avoid such errors and ensure patient safety.

User Klump
by
8.3k points