A drug mix-up at a Nashville hospital caused dire consequences for multiple patients and is now under state investigation, reports WTVF. The mix-up last week at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown affected at least four people who went in for joint replacement surgery, according to the outlet. The family of one woman says she received potassium chloride instead of an anesthetic and is paralyzed from the chest down, per WSMV. It was not immediately clear if the damage is reversible.
The hospital has not released details, citing patient privacy, but CBS News reports that a second patient also is paralyzed and that another is in the ICU. “I am deeply sorry for the harm caused to our patients,” said Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, hospital president and CEO, in a statement. “We have met directly with each of the families … and ensured they have access to all appropriate resources and ongoing care needed.” He added that the hospital self-reported the incident the day it happened to state authorities. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.