Tennessee woman left paralyzed after alleged potassium chloride mix-up at Nashville hospital
A 72-year-old Tennessee patient was reportedly given potassium chloride instead of an epidural during knee surgery, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down.
Glenda Dorton, 72, was admitted to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville for a knee-replacement procedure. According to her relatives, staff administered potassium chloride—a substance previously part of Tennessee’s lethal-injection protocol—in place of an epidural intended for pain control. The mistake has resulted in paralysis from the chest down, and she is currently in the ICU as physicians evaluate whether the damage can be mitigated.
The hospital reported that at least three additional patients were impacted by the same undisclosed incident, though it has not verified the family's allegation about the drug error. Hospital president and CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia apologized to the affected families, noted that spiritual-care resources have been offered, and pledged ongoing support. An investigation into the medication mix-up is ongoing, and the hospital has not responded to further comment requests.
Why it matters
A medication error causing severe paralysis raises serious patient-safety concerns for hospitals nationwide.
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