Did IV Calcium Kill This Hypocalcemic Patient?

A 33-year-old woman arrives at the emergency room struggling to breathe—her symptoms alarming, her condition urgent. What follows is a rapid series of events marked by uncertainty, communication gaps, and a critical moment that changes everything. In this episode of Learning from Lawsuits, we unpack a heartbreaking case involving abnormal electrolytes, unclear documentation, and a sudden cardiac arrest that occurred just minutes after medication was reportedly administered. With the medical record unable to confirm exactly what was given—and when—we explore how breakdowns in communication, documentation, and clinical clarity can lead to devastating outcomes. More importantly, we focus on what healthcare teams can learn from this case. How do we ensure accuracy in high-pressure moments? What safeguards can prevent medication errors? And how can teams better communicate when every second counts? This episode is a powerful reminder that patient safety often hinges not just on clinical knowledge—but on systems, clarity, and connection.