Wrong Dosage

Wrong Dosage Administered – Insulin Overdose Leading to Hypoglycemia

Malvin

Oct 15, 2024

13:26

Administering the wrong dosage of medication is one of the most common forms of nursing malpractice. A critical example of this is when a nurse gives a patient double the prescribed insulin dosage, resulting in hypoglycemia—a condition where blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. Insulin is a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose, and an overdose can quickly cause severe complications, including confusion, seizures, coma, and, in extreme cases, death.

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In cases where a wrong insulin dosage is administered, the nurse may have either misunderstood the prescription, misread the dosage instructions, or failed to double-check the medication before administration. Given the delicate nature of insulin management, this type of error can be life-threatening and must be addressed immediately to avoid severe health consequences.

Real Case Example

In one notable case, a 52-year-old diabetic patient in a hospital was mistakenly given 100 units of insulin instead of the prescribed 50 units. The error occurred because the nurse misinterpreted the doctor’s order and failed to verify the correct dose before administering the medication. As a result, the patient experienced severe hypoglycemia, became unconscious, and had to be rushed to the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite emergency interventions, the patient suffered long-term neurological damage due to the extended period of low blood sugar. The case led to a medical malpractice lawsuit, where the hospital was found liable for the nurse's negligence.

Preventing Insulin Overdose

Preventing insulin dosage errors requires strict adherence to the "five rights" of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. Double-checking insulin orders, using barcode scanning systems, and ensuring proper communication among healthcare staff are essential measures to avoid potentially fatal mistakes.

Conclusion

Insulin overdose due to wrong dosage administration is a preventable form of nursing malpractice that can have devastating consequences. It highlights the critical need for diligence, proper training, and robust verification systems in healthcare. If you or a loved one has suffered from such an error, it is crucial to seek expert guidance to understand your rights and pursue compensation for the harm caused.

At Malpraq, we specialize in medical malpractice cases and are here to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the compensation and accountability you are entitled to. 

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