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Glenda Dorton Left Paralyzed After Medication Mix-Up at Nashville Hospital

Glenda Dorton was left paralyzed from the chest down following a medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville. During a routine knee replacement surgery on August 14, the 72-year-old patient was allegedly injected with potassium chloride instead of the intended anesthetic, bupivacaine. According to reports, four patients were impacted by the pharmacy error, with at least one woman experiencing T-6 paralysis. The hospital's president and CEO, Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, acknowledged the mistake and stated that the facility self-reported the incident to state regulators. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating the mix-up. Dr. Matthew Byrnes, a surgeon at Catalina Island Health, noted that while potassium is an essential mineral, it must be administered as a slow drip to avoid cardiac problems or tissue damage. He emphasized that hospitals should follow strict labeling protocols to ensure the correct medication is infused into the spine. The hospital has since implemented new physical and technological safeguards to prevent future errors.

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