Elderly Patient Dies During Transport From Nursing Home to Hospital

Case Overview

This case involves a ninety-two-year-old male resident of a nursing home facility who presented to the emergency room with altered mental status and confusion. The patient had recently been hospitalized for Legionella pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. The paramedic report stated that, upon arrival at the nursing home, the staff said that the patient became less responsive and increasingly confused. The staff, however, waited several hours before calling 911. EMS personnel confirmed decreased responsiveness and documented a heart rate in the thirties to forties en route to the hospital. The patient went into asystole and CPR was performed for twenty minutes until the patient was declared dead on arrival by the ER physician. The cause of death was determined to be cardiac arrest secondary to congestive heart failure.

Questions to the Forensic Psychiatry expert and their responses

Should this patient have been transferred to the hospital sooner?

Absolutely, this elderly patient was showing the classic signs of altered mental status that was most likely due to the renal impairment and toxins that were building up in his blood. The decision to delay his transport to a qualified hospital environment to treat an impending disaster is definitely negligent on the part of the nursing home. The outcome would have been dramatically different if this were addressed sooner.

About the expert

This expert is an internationally acclaimed physician specializing in both forensic and geriatric psychiatry. An expert on the detection and impact of psychological manipulation tactics used by offenders to exploit the elderly and other vulnerable adults, his pioneering assessment techniques are taught throughout much of the Western Hemisphere. His pioneering assessment techniques in the areas of undue influence, mental capacity, & competency are taught throughout much of the Western Hemisphere. His work is promoted by many law, judicial, police, & APS organizations; the United Nation`s International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia; the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and major medical organizations.

E-004768

Specialties:

Forensic Psychiatry

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.