When nurses in Allen, Texas are facing accusations from the BON due to their work, they will need a nurse attorney to defend their case. Take note that an Allen nurse attorney can also defend a nurse’s license against accusations.
On or about December 23, 2020, while employed as an LVN at a hospital in Allen, Texas, LVN administered Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) to a patient without a physician’s order. Although the patient was seeking medical care for possible stroke with right-sided weakness, being unable to speak, and drooling, the administration of TPA was contraindicated because the patient had recently undergone a cardiac catheterization for non-STEMI, had a history of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, and was experiencing elevated systolic blood pressure.
In response, LVN states he assumed the physician had ordered for TPA to be administered because the physician had discussed the pros and cons of administering the medication with the patient’s wife. The patient’s wife verbally consented to the TPA, and all contraindications were checked prior to administration. While the patient may have had a history of GI bleed, TPA guidelines state that administration is only contraindicated if the hemorrhage occurred within 24 days. The patient’s hemoglobin, PT/INR levels, and platelet count were all verified to be within range prior to administration. Recent procedures and bleeding disorders were discussed with the wife prior to administration to which she stated there were none. TPA guidelines also state a blood pressure >183 systolic is contraindicated, in which case the patient’s blood pressure was addressed with Labetolol prior to administration. The administration of this medication was verified with his charge nurse and a 3rd nurse prior to administration also.
The above actions constitute grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with Section 301.463(b)(10)&(13), Texas Occupations Code, and is a violation of 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.11(1)(A),(1)(B),(1)(C)&(3)(A) and 22 TEX. ADMIN. CODE §217.12 (1)(A),(1)(B)&(4).
The evidence against the LVN was strong. At the same time, he was not able to properly defend his case in court. As a result, his nursing license was placed under disciplinary action.
Avoid the similar thing from happening on your end. Make sure to find the right defense attorney in case a complaint will be filed against you before the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). For more details or for a confidential consultation regarding accusations, it’s best to contact an experienced Texas nurse attorney. Texas Nurse Attorney Yong J. An is an experienced nurse attorney who represented more than 300 nurse cases for RNs and LVNs for the past 16 years. You can call him at (832) 428-5679 to get started or to inquire for more information regarding nursing license case defenses.