Hospital medication errors can be serious events that result in permanent personal injuries to a patient. One patient awaiting surgery was recently given a paralyzing medication by mistake. The medication is one that is used during surgery to keep patients from moving, but it is only intended to be used after the patient has been deeply sedated.

In this instance, the patient was only slightly sedated and suffered through the traumatizing experience of being paralyzed while conscious. The patient felt unable to breathe after receiving the medicine at the incorrect time.

Upon discovery of the nurse's error, the medical staff administered another medication to counteract the effects of the paralyzing anesthetic.

Besides the emotional suffering the patient endured after she was paralyzed by the medication, she appears to have survived the ordeal. However, this type of medication error by hospital staff is unacceptable and can result in residual emotional trauma that may take years to recover from. Anesthesia is particularly dangerous, and must be provided in a safe and organized manner.

The hospital says that it has investigated the cause of the error and changed the policies and procedures regarding the administration of anesthesia. The hospital also claims to have instructed the medical staff so that this type of serious medication error does not happen in the future.

Unfortunately, medication errors continue to occur in Arizona, despite awareness of the dangers involved whenever such a mistake is made. Patients who suffer similar instances of anesthesia administration negligence should contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help them enforce their rights to compensation.

Source: MPR news, "Report: Hospital gave wrong medication, patient paralyzed during surgery," Madelein Baran, Jan. 3, 2012