Nurse Injures Dialysis Patient's Port Causing Dangerous Bleed Out

This case involves a dialysis patient who developed a scab at the site of his port. Upon arriving at dialysis, the scab was recognized and acknowledged by the patient and treating staff members. The patient requested not to use adhesive tape on the site of the port scab to avoid further irritation. In spite of this request, however, the staff still used a tape on the patient.The following day, the patient’s scab fell off and the patient nearly bled to death. He required an extended hospital stay and two surgical procedures as a result. It was alleged that the dialysis nursing staff failed to adequately monitor and protect the patient’s access port, causing him further complications.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe your experience working in dialysis facilities.

2. How do you protect patients with a scab at the port site?

Expert Witness Response E-011639

inline image I have 30+ years of experience in hemodialysis and extensive experience working in acute dialysis facilities. I have trained ICU nurses and worked in hemodialysis as a charge nurse IV at a hospital. I am currently a hospital nurse working with patients with blood cancers that need stem cell transplants. I am happy to discuss the steps to avoid this complication. In general, you avoid the area at all costs until it heals. You especially do not put tape on it, as it is a tenuous and sensitive area and the scab can pull off. Additionally, I perhaps would have recommended referring the patient to a vascular surgeon.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

Nurse Injures Dialysis Patient’s Port Causing Dangerous Bleed Out

Question(s) For Expert Witness

Expert Witness Response E-011639

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