Common anesthesia errors that you should be aware of
Posted in Firm News, Medical Malpractice on June 2, 2018
Your upcoming surgery is going to require you to receive anesthesia to facilitate the progress of your treatment. While you may not think twice about your upcoming procedure, it is important that you are aware of common anesthesia errors so you can protect your wellbeing. At Elk & Elk, we have helped many medical patients in Washington to become better educated in understanding their role in preventing medical malpractice from happening to them.
According to Elcam Safety, every year in the United States, approximately 40,000 anesthesia procedures are completed. While your hospital staff may be working faithfully to protect your health, sometimes mistakes can happen. Some of the most common errors related to general anesthesia are:
- Failure to document your anesthesia the right way.
- Improper control of the rate of your IV.
- Inaccurate dosage amounts or administered at the incorrect times.
- Failure to monitor and modify dosages for post-op pain levels.
- Receiving residual anesthetics when you do not need them.
Reports show that out of all medical procedures completed every year in the United States, 251,000 patients are the victims of medical errors. When you are familiar with common anesthesia mistakes, you may be able to be more watchful and better prepared to be an advocate for your health. You may even consider asking a trusted friend or family member to accompany you to follow up with your health care provider in making sure you receive the right type and dose of anesthetic. For more information about medical errors, contact a Seattle medical malpractice lawyer today.