IV Fluid Overload Medical Malpractice
The human body is an intricate network of organs and systems, finely tuned to function optimally within a delicate balance of various substances. Central to this equilibrium is the presence and movement of fluids, with water playing a pivotal role. Constituting approximately 70 percent of the body’s composition, water permeates every aspect of physiological function. Within the intricate framework of cells that compose our tissues and organs, maintaining adequate hydration levels is paramount. When the delicate balance of water concentration within cells is disrupted, it can have profound implications for overall health and well-being. Inadequate hydration can impair cellular function, hinder nutrient transport, and impede waste removal processes, leading to a cascade of adverse effects on organ systems. From regulating body temperature to facilitating biochemical reactions, water is indispensable to sustaining life and ensuring the proper functioning of vital systems. Thus, maintaining optimal hydration levels is essential for supporting the body’s intricate machinery and promoting overall health and vitality.
Burnside Law Firm LLP offers legal advice concerning IV infiltration injury and IV therapy injury cases. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial investigation of your case.
IV Fluids Overload Liability Cases
An intravenous (IV) line serves as a crucial medical tool for delivering a variety of substances directly into a patient’s bloodstream. Among its primary functions, administering fluids stands out as a vital intervention, particularly in cases of severe dehydration or when a patient is incapacitated and unable to ingest fluids orally, such as when unconscious. In instances of extreme dehydration, replenishing lost fluids intravenously becomes imperative to restore fluid balance and prevent further complications. However, the administration of fluids via IV carries inherent risks, especially when the dosage is not carefully regulated. Overhydration can precipitate serious medical complications, potentially leading to irreversible harm, including organ dysfunction or even fatal outcomes. Thus, meticulous attention to dosage and patient response is paramount to mitigate the risk of adverse reactions and ensure the safe and effective administration of intravenous fluids in clinical settings.
Case example: A 7-year-old child with new-onset diabetes was admitted to a medical facility for diabetic ketoacidosis. An IV was started in her hand for the administration of fluids (IV saline) to treat dehydration. During the rehydration process, the patient developed puffy eyelids, elevated blood pressure, headaches and shortness of breath. Swelling in and around the brain ultimately resulted in permanent brain damage due to the patient receiving too much fluid in a limited period of time. Proper nursing care, including the adequate assessment and monitoring of the IV therapy and the proper documentation of intake, output, and IV flow, could have avoided this tragic outcome.
Injury Caused by IV Fluid Overload
Simply stated, fluid or volume overload occurs when fluids are given at a higher rate or in a larger volume than the body can absorb or excrete. People with diabetes or those with other compromised organs, including the kidneys, are more susceptible to fluid overload because their ability to process fluids is impaired. Children are also at a higher risk of fluid overload, so they must be carefully monitored to ensure proper fluid intake and output. Injuries resulting from fluid or volume overload include:
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary edema
- Organ failure
- Kidney failure
- Wrongful death
Symptoms and Warning Signs of Fluid Overload
Nurses and other professionals should be aware of the signs of fluid overload and take adequate precautions to prevent it from occurring, especially when administering fluids to rehydrate children or individuals with compromised renal function. Some common symptoms include:
- Neck vein distension: Visible swelling or bulging of the jugular veins, indicative of elevated venous pressure and vascular congestion
- Increased blood pressure: Elevated arterial pressure resulting from the excessive volume load on the cardiovascular system, reflecting the body’s struggle to accommodate fluid overload
- Respiratory distress: Labored breathing, shortness of breath, or symptoms of pulmonary edema, highlighting compromised pulmonary function secondary to fluid accumulation
- Trending increase in weight: Progressive gain in body weight, serving as a tangible manifestation of fluid retention and imbalance in fluid dynamics, necessitating vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention
Fluids should be discontinued immediately once symptoms develop. These symptoms collectively underscore the multisystemic consequences of fluid overload, necessitating vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention to mitigate the risk of complications such as organ dysfunction or cardiopulmonary compromise.
Contact Burnside Law Firm to Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case
If you have concerns that either you or a family member has suffered harm due to IV fluid or volume overload stemming from negligence on the part of hospital staff, nursing professionals or physicians, do not hesitate to reach out to Burnside Law Firm. We specialize in addressing cases of hospital negligence and medical malpractice in Augusta and Athens, Georgia, boasting a wealth of experience in navigating the complexities of such legal matters. Our dedicated team of medical experts, comprising seasoned doctors, proficient nurses, and knowledgeable hospital administrators, stands ready to meticulously investigate your case. By leveraging their comprehensive understanding of medical protocols and healthcare practices, they can discern the underlying causes of any injury incurred and strategize the most appropriate legal action on your behalf. Rest assured, we are committed to advocating for your rights and seeking just redress for any harm suffered due to negligence within the healthcare setting.
If you suspect medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact our Augusta or Athens, Georgia, lawyers. We offer experienced, strategic advocacy in cases involving fluid or volume overload or other IV injury. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation.
