A reader submitted a question about a physician ordering her to crush two Flagyl tablets and sprinkle them onto a patient wound.

By Nancy J. Brent, MS, JD, RN

The nurse knew this was not the correct way to administer the medication. However, she is concerned that since the physician ordered this method of administration that she is obligated to follow the order.

Part of this nurse’s conflict is that this method of administration is not generally consistent with current standards or practice.

But in many facilities and home care agencies, the use of Flagyl tablets in this way is a common and customary practice, as we discuss in our blog, “We’ve Always Done It This Way:  Flagyl Crushing & Other Wound Care Bad Habits.”

However customary such a use may be, it can create potential legal liabilities for you.

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Dedicated wound care professionals pride themselves on providing optimum care for their patients.

By Carole Jakucs, MSN, RN, PHN

Did you know you also have an ethical and legal obligation to provide the best care possible or you face legal risk?

You could be held liable whether you are an experienced or new wound care clinician, certified or not certified, or work in acute care, long-term care or the ambulatory environment.

Providing substandard wound care not only harms patients, it also can result in a patient or their family taking legal action against you and other clinicians involved in the patient’s care plan, said Nancy Brent, JD, MS, RN, a nurse attorney who represents nurses before the state regulatory agency and has a solo law practice in Wilmette, Ill.

And no one wants to face professional negligence or malpractice allegations.

“The legal fallout from litigation pertaining to patient care can range from being sued for medical malpractice or professional negligence, in addition to the fees related to legal representation and damages owed if you’re held legally responsible,” she said.

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