On the afternoon of October 18, a young man, age 17, presented to the emergency room. He suffered from non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. He was evaluated at the emergency room by the Doctor, who recorded that the plaintiff was dehydrated, that he had elevated blood sugar, and admitted him to the hospital. The Doctors’ documented working diagnosis was peptic ulcer disease and dehydration. His treatment consisted of the administration of fluids and insulin.
During the night of October 18, the young man became increasingly restless. The nurse observed that he had rapid respirations and was mumbling to himself. The doctor contacted the defendant, who agreed to accept the young man as his patient. He was diagnosed with acute diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute dehydration. He was given three units of insulin IV push and admitted to the intensive care unit. Just after midnight, the young man went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at 1:22 a.m. An autopsy was performed and confirmed that he had died of “cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to profound ketoacidosis/dehydration secondary to diabetes mellitus.”
Outcome:
A settlement was reached. The terms of the settlement are protected by a confidentiality agreement.
