A former Owensboro nurse is facing a medical malpractice suit. She is accused of providing incorrect treatment to a man who later died of a heart attack in November 2016. His widow named the nurse as the defendant in a lawsuit.
The nurse is accused of treating her patients with testosterone, even when there was no evidence that the treatment was needed. At the time she treated the woman’s husband, his testosterone level was 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) – right in the middle of the recommended range of 300 ng/dl. Testosterone treatment is recommended when the levels fall below 300 ng/dl, according to the woman’s attorney.
By the time the man in this case had received treatments, his testosterone level was above 1,500 ng/dl. At that rate, the risk of a heart attack is greater, the attorney said.
The nurse is alleged to have treated men with testosterone if they came to her with symptoms of low testosterone, which can include tiredness, weight gain, fatigue, lack of a sex drive or lack of strength. She is alleged to have treated the men with testosterone without investigating the symptoms, which could have indicated a serious illness.
A medical review panel made up of three independent doctors found that the nurse didn’t follow the expected standard of care and the result was the man’s death, according to the lawsuit.
Another Kentucky widow filed a similar lawsuit against the nurse after her husband also died of a heart attack following testosterone replacement therapy. A settlement was reached before that case could go to trial.
This most recent lawsuit is the latest legal woe for the nurse. She recently entered a guilty plea to wire fraud in federal court. She is expected to receive probation when she is sentenced in January.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by the actions of a medical professional in Kentucky, it’s wise to consult with a medical malpractice attorney.