Nashville Hospital Drug Mix-Up: Potassium Given to 4 Patients Instead of Pain Meds in Tennessee; 2 Left Paralysed
A medication error at a Nashville hospital in Tennessee has left four patients with severe complications after potassium was mistakenly administered instead of pain drugs during routine surgeries, prompting state investigations. 'We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards,' Dr Jagasia said in a statement.
Tennessee authorities have launched an investigation into a medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, which resulted in severe complications for four patients undergoing routine outpatient surgeries. The incident, which occurred on Friday, August 14, reportedly involved the administration of potassium instead of standard pain medication during joint replacement procedures.
Dire Complications for Patients
According to reports from CBS affiliate WTVF, the consequences of the mix-up have been significant. Families of the affected patients stated that two individuals have been left paralysed, while another remains in the intensive care unit. Did Every US Hospital Receive a Secret DOD Letter Mentioning Quantum Medical Systems? Here’s the Fact Check.
Drug Mix-Up at Nashville Hospital Causes Patient Injuries
Among the victims is 72-year-old Glenda Dorton, who underwent a knee replacement. Her attorney, Mark Walwyn, confirmed she is currently paralysed. In a statement on behalf of the family, Walwyn noted that she is "facing a long and uncertain recovery".
Hospital Response and Safety Protocols
Dr Shubhada Jagasia, president and CEO of the hospital, stated that the facility identified the event on the day it occurred, self-reported the error to state regulators, and initiated an internal investigation. "We identified the cause and have implemented corrective safeguards," Dr Jagasia said in a statement. While the hospital did not disclose the specific cause of the error, she added that clinical teams are "actively using these enhanced safety protocols to ensure the highest level of safety" at the facility. The hospital confirmed that leadership has met with the families of the impacted patients but noted it would not share "specific clinical details" regarding the victims.
Medical Context and Ongoing Investigation
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now actively involved in the case following an alert from the Tennessee Healthcare Facilities Commission. Medical experts highlight the extreme risks associated with the substance involved. While potassium is a vital electrolyte, improper administration can lead to severe physiological damage. Medical malpractice attorney Clint Kelly, who is not involved in the case, described the potential impact of such an error in stark terms, noting, "Just think of like, battery acid, going into the most tender nerves in your body. It's the worst type of injury you can imagine," he said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 10:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).