A frightening medication mix-up at a Tennessee hospital is under investigation after several patients reportedly suffered devastating complications during what were supposed to be routine surgeries.
The incident happened Friday, Aug. 14, at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville.
According to CBS affiliate WTVF, four patients undergoing joint replacement procedures were reportedly given potassium instead of the pain medication they were supposed to receive.
The surgeries had been expected to be outpatient procedures.
Instead, family members told WTVF that two patients were left paralyzed and another remains in intensive care.
Authorities have not yet publicly explained exactly how the drugs became mixed up.
Dr. Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of the hospital, said the facility became aware of the incident the same day it happened.
She said the hospital reported the matter to state regulators and immediately launched an internal investigation.
“We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards,” Jagasia said in a statement.
She did not reveal the specific cause of the error or exactly what new safety measures have been put in place.
The hospital said staff members are now using enhanced safety protocols.
Jagasia also said hospital officials have met with the families of the affected patients but would not release specific medical details.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has now become involved.
The agency told CBS News it is actively investigating after being alerted by the Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Commission.
Potassium is commonly used in hospitals and is essential for normal body function, but large amounts can be extremely dangerous.
Potassium chloride can be used medically to support heart, nerve and muscle function, but if too much is given too quickly, it can trigger potentially deadly heart problems, including cardiac arrest.
High doses of potassium chloride have also been used in executions.
Medical malpractice attorney Clint Kelly, who is not representing any of the patients involved, told CBS Mornings that the case was among the most disturbing he had encountered.
“Just think of like, battery acid, going into the most tender nerves in your body,” Kelly said while describing what excessive potassium exposure could do.
“It’s the worst type of injury you can imagine.”
The hospital has apologized for the incident and says corrective measures are now in place.
Meanwhile, investigators are still trying to determine exactly how such a serious medication error happened during procedures that were supposed to send patients home the same day.
