IHP 420 Case Study

Following an automobile accident, a 46-year-old man was brought to the hospital emergency department by an ambulance. The patient seemed to be alert, was able to answer questions, and claimed to be suffering from a great deal of pain. The physician administered 15 milligrams of morphine intravenously. The patient needed blood but refused a transfusion. After being observed in the emergency department for several hours, the patient was placed on a medical-surgical unit for observation. The following morning, he was unresponsive, and he was eventually pronounced dead. It was later discovered that he had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. The night of the accident, he had injected heroin and drank several shots of tequila and multiple cans of beer. He had not disclosed any of this to the doctors or nurses treating him. Several years later, his estate sued the physician, claiming medical malpractice.

Analyze the possible outcomes of the lawsuit under one of the following scenarios:

If death was the result of overdose

If death was the result of failure to administer blood

If death was the result of subdural hematoma

In your short paper, analyze the potential success of a claim for negligence under one of the three possible scenarios. Include a detailed discussion of each element of the negligence claim and why that element is met or not met. Discuss the possible defenses that could be reasonably asserted by the doctor to each claim, and why that defense might apply. Lastly, include a paragraph describing which, if any, claim you believe might be the most successful against the doctor and why.

To complete this assignment, review the Case Study Rubric document.

IHP 420 Case Study Rubric Guidelines for Submission: Your essay should be 1–2 pages in length (in addition to the cover page and reference list) and use double spacing and one-inch margins. All citations and references should be formatted according to the most recent APA guidelines. Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (70%) Not Evident (0%) Value Main Elements Includes all of the main elements and requirements, and cites multiple examples to illustrate each element Includes most of the main elements and requirements, and cites many examples to illustrate each element Includes some of the main elements and requirements Does not include any of the main elements or requirements 30 Inquiry and Analysis Provides in-depth analysis that demonstrates complete understanding of multiple concepts Provides in-depth analysis that demonstrates complete understanding of some concepts Provides analysis that demonstrates minimal understanding of concepts Does not provide analysis 25 Integration and Application All of the course concepts are correctly applied Most of the course concepts are correctly applied Some of the course concepts are correctly applied Does not correctly apply any of the course concepts 15 Critical Thinking Draws insightful conclusions that are thoroughly defended with evidence and examples Draws informed conclusions that are justified with evidence Draws logical conclusions but does not defend with evidence Does not draw logical conclusions 20 Articulation of Response Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas 10 Total 100%