Drug mix-up at Nashville hospital causes complications in 4 patients
Summary
A hospital in Nashville made a mistake by giving four patients potassium instead of pain medicine during joint replacement surgeries. The hospital reported the error right away and is working with authorities to find out what went wrong and to improve safety.Key Facts
- The mix-up happened at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown hospital on August 14.
- Four patients received potassium instead of standard pain drugs during outpatient joint surgeries.
- The hospital noticed the problem the same day and reported it to state regulators.
- An investigation is underway by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
- The hospital has identified the cause and is putting safety changes in place.
- Potassium is a mineral important to the body but can be harmful in high doses.
- The hospital has spoken with the affected patients' families but did not share medical details.
- Potassium chloride is sometimes used medically but can be dangerous if given in large amounts.
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