The incidents recorded in the latest inspection report for the Eden Village Care Center in Glen Carbon, IL could easily result in the wrongful death of one or more of the residents living there. Out of five residents reviewed for medication errors, the nursing home failed to correctly administer medications to three of them. Considering the nursing home has almost 100 residents, the number of medication errors that could be taking place at the facility is truly alarming.
In one instance, the medication intended for one resident was given to her roommate instead, putting both of them at high risk. Many common medications given to elderly nursing home residents can easily prove fatal when given to a person without the condition the drug treats. Insulin, for example, is a lifesaver for people with diabetes. For people with high-blood pressure, insulin can be fatal.
Like in any healthcare facility, keeping track of and properly administering medications is an essential part of operations. Only licensed practical nurses are permitted to administer or dispense medications.
Before administering any medication, nurses are trained to follow a very specific checklist that asks if the medication is the correct does, is it the correct medication in the correct form, is it the right time to administer the drug, and is it going to the correct patient.
If any of the answers to these questions are in doubt, the nurse needs to take whatever action is needed to determine the correct answers before administering any treatments or prescription drugs.
Medication errors are some of the most common and dangerous forms of nursing home neglect. If you have a loved one in a Chicago nursing home who has been injured after being given the wrong medication, contact the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle for a free and confidential evaluation of your case. At my law offices we have the experience and expertise to manage every aspect of your Chicago medication error lawsuit, and we welcome the opportunity to speak to you.
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