An orthopedic surgeon was about to start his third case, a total knee replacement.  While in the holding area, the nurses reviewed the patient’s paperwork and found everything in order.  His history and physical listed the primary diagnosis as “degenerative arthritis, right knee.â€Â  The consent was signed for a right knee replacement.  The vendor was […]

A gentleman was given the unfortunate news he had colon cancer.  His doctor advised him to undergo surgery to remove it.  The patient wanted to think about it. “It’s cancer.  It must be removed,” the doctor said.  They agreed to discuss it further at his next office visit. But the patient canceled the next visit.  […]

Following surgery, a woman was in severe pain. The analgesics prescribed by her surgeon were inadequate. Her nurse called the doctor and he ordered a fentanyl skin patch. The device gives a steady dose of medication through the skin and can last up to three days. That evening, the nurses found her difficult to arouse. […]

Dr. Witherspoon, I feel I must relate two experiences of mine to you as you may find them useful for your series. On the first occasion, I had a heavy schedule of knee arthroscopies. I saw each patient in the holding area and marked the proper limb according to the permit. On about the third […]

A woman underwent outpatient surgery for a nerve problem in her forearm. Upon leaving the ambulatory surgery center, she was given an instruction sheet advising her to call her doctor if she had a high fever, bleeding, or excessive pain. The next day, she was in agonizing pain. The pain pills did not help. She […]