Potassium Overdose May Have Killed Patient

A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania family has filed suit against a local hospital after their father died following heart surgery.

Two hours after bypass surgery the gentleman suffered a fatal heart attack. His daughter, a doctor, reviewed his chart and saw that he was given an excessive amount of potassium. The patient’s daughter believes the excessive potassium her father was given caused his death.

Nurses are taught the 4 “R’s”. Before giving medication they are taught to be sure they have: the Right patient, Right drug, Right dosage and Right method. Following the 4 “R’s” helps to eliminate many medication errors in hospitals.