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How to avoid becoming another hospital-error statistic

Dear Reader,

It’s said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But it’s actually worth a whole lot more than that!

Taking some simple precautions at the right time can be a lifesaver, and I’m not just talking about buckling up when you drive or wearing a helmet when you take your bike out for a ride.

A shocking new investigation by USA Today uncovered the fact that thousands of expectant mothers are seriously harmed – and many of them die – because hospital staffers neglect to take simple steps that would have protected these new moms.

But childbirth isn’t the only time that such preventive medicine is ignored, leading to serious and deadly consequences.

That’s why you need to be on your toes and know how to protect yourself or a loved one during a hospital stay — or a seemingly small slip could have you paying a very big price.

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‘A failure at all levels’
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Bringing a new baby home should be one of the most joyous and exciting times in a family’s life.

That is, unless that precious little bundle of joy is going home without a mother — or one who has suffered a stroke or other serious injury.

An investigation done by USA Today found that of the 50,000 women a year who experience an injury after giving birth – and around 700 who die – half of those tragedies could have been prevented.

The terrifying facts are that with the exception of the state of California, the maternal death rate in the U.S. continues to rise. And the researchers say that this “stunning lack of attention to safety recommendations” is true across the board, from community medical centers to “major birthing” hospitals.

“It’s a failure at all levels,” said Dr. Steven Clark, a childbirth safety expert and professor at Baylor College of Medicine.

But having a baby isn’t the only time that easy and routine safety measures are forgotten — or just plain ignored — during a hospital stay.

Medication errors are another big example of this. A report done over a decade ago found that such mistakes result in over 450,000 injuries a year in hospitals – and even more drug disasters are likely going unnoticed, experts say.

Then, there are hospital-acquired infections. And since more and more drug-resistant bacteria are making an appearance, any such infection can turn deadly.

Experts say that patients are “too passive” when it comes to questioning their care. Certainly, however, fixing that is easier said than done!

Nothing about a hospital stay — from wearing those fanny-revealing gowns to lack of sleep and the effects of medications — leaves you in shape to start being a Sherlock Holmes when it comes to your care!

That’s why it’s always good to have a hospital “buddy,” a friend or relative who can help keep you safe.

But even if you’re on your own, there are two vital steps you can take to prevent a potentially disastrous slip-up.

#1. Monitoring medications: These mistakes can run the gamut from too high a dose, the wrong drug, and even double-dosing. Most patients assume that doctors and nurses are the experts, and think that even if something doesn’t seem right, it’s probably fine. But all it takes is a missing decimal point for a simple matter to turn tragic.

So, make sure you (and your buddy) know exactly what drugs you’re taking, how often, and the proper dosage. Then, before popping any pills the nurses gives you, have them double-check your ID, the drug, and the dose. The same goes for IV medications. Believe me, any doctor, pharmacist, or nurse would rather be questioned than make a fatal mistake.

#2. Avoiding infections: One of the biggest threats of any hospital stay these days is an antibiotic-resistant infection. So, if any IV drug lines or urinary catheters are being used, the CDC recommends that you ask every single day if they’re still necessary.

And speak up if the area around a line or catheter becomes sore or red.

Of course, the top way to stop a microbe in its tracks is to make sure than everyone who touches you has washed their hands… even doctors and nurses. It might be a bit embarrassing to suggest that your doc didn’t do so, but unless you see him wash in front of you, you’ve got to mention it. It’s that important!

And if you or someone in your family is expecting, USA Today has compiled these tips:

  • Excessive bleeding can occur during or after delivery, and measuring – not estimating –blood loss is mandatory. If the pregnancy is high-risk, blood matching a woman’s type should be at the ready.
  • High blood pressure, both during and after pregnancy, can be deadly. Any reading of 160 or over or a bottom number of 110 or higher before or after giving birth, needs immediate treatment with blood pressure-lowering drugs within an hour to avoid a stroke.
  • Having blood pressure taken correctly is another way to avoid a deadly mistake. The right way is with feet flat on the floor, arm supported at the level of the heart, not crossing one’s legs and sitting in an upright position. And while rolling a pregnant woman on her side to take a blood pressure reading may seem easiest, it often returns an incorrect result.

To Staying Safe in the Hospital,

Melissa Young,

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