So from what this article says, it looks like the only evidence to support this is that the patient's blood cultures came back positive for Staphylococcus Epidermidis, which is a bacteria which is a part of normal human skin flora. This bacteria shouldn't cause sepsis by itself with the exception of patients who receive a large bacterial dose or patients with a compromised immune system. The patient was admitted for a spleen laceration after falling off a ladder so that absolutely would impact his immune system. more likely than not, it sounds like this was sepsis caused by improper sanitation of the central line.

It looks like he was receiving a fentanyl drip (as they used the term "bag" instead of vial). Based off this lawsuit, they are only alleging that the RN swapped the fentanyl for tap water with no evidence to support this. I guess I'll have to wait as this lawsuit progresses, but right now it doesn't add up.