Coumadin, and other generic brand blood thinners have brought many challenges to the healthcare industry with issues in regulating the drug and the dangers associated with overdoses. Scattered and widespread bruising, weakness and falls are among some of the many symptoms that can warn healthcare providers of overdose possibilities. The problem is nursing home facilities can still dismiss factors pointing to an overdose as symptomatic of other causes.
Lifting, bumping and transferring can be used to explain away the bruises that become obvious and deadly. When a patient on Coumadin or a related blood thinner becomes weak or actually bleeds internally or externally, it can often be too late for the antidote of bleeding associated with a Coumadin overdose, Vitamin K. The damages from bleeding are sometimes irreversible.
This was the scenario for a patient in one state who had been on blood thinners after experiencing abnormal heart rhythms. The crucial blood clot test required to regulate the drug was never supplied to the patient, because a nurse said “it never occurred to her that this resident was on Coumadin” and needed the blood tests. As bruises began to appear, nursing staff explained them away as other causes, such as a transfer lift.
But, in addition to the bruises the patient began bleeding from his gums. Upon transferring the patient to the emergency room, he never gained consciousness except when they placed his hand in his wife’s. Then, he awoke and spoke. The next day, however, he died. His wife died three weeks later as she gave up saying she was mad her husband didn’t take her with him.
The daughter of the patient believes his life should have and could have been saved due to his obvious bruising. In support of the daughter’s opinion, the doctor believed the bruising to be so awful that she had the hospital staff take pictures. The photos are in the possession of the family’s attorney. The daughter says the bruises should have been noticed and appropriate care provided for her father in a timely manner to spare him. For more, read the story.
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