SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Pressure Ulcer Prevention
(Tag F0686)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to accurately assess/identify pressure injuries and consi...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to accurately assess/identify pressure injuries and consistently utilize preventative measure prevent the development and/or worsening of pressure ulcers for three (R88, R82 and R85) of three residents reviewed for pressure ulcers, resulting in R88 having a misidentified Unstageable (full-thickness skin and tissue loss .obscured by eschar - devitalized tissue . usually black . may appear scab-like) sacrum pressure ulcer. Findings include:
R88
On 6/13/22 at 9:47 AM, R88 was observed lying in bed. Protective foam boots were noted on the floor next to the dresser. R88 was asked if he had any wounds or sores. R88 explained he had wounds on his bottom and both his feet. When asked if the foam boots were ever used when he was in bed, R88 explained the boots were used sometimes. R88 was asked if his heels were elevated on a pillow. R88 explained there was not pillow under his legs. When the covers were pulled aside, R88's heels were observed in direct contact with the mattress.
Review of the clinical record revealed R88 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included: right hip fracture, heart disease and kidney disease. According to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment dated [DATE], R88 was cognitively intact and required the extensive to total assistance of staff for activities of daily living (ADL's). The MDS assessment also indicated R88 was admitted with one Stage 2 (partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis) pressure ulcer, one Stage 3 (full-thickness loss of skin . slough - non-viable yellow, tan, gray, green or brown tissue - and/or eschar may be visible but does not obscure the depth of tissue loss), and one DTI (Deep Tissue Injury - intact skin with persistent non-blanchable deep red, maroon, purple discoloration due to damage of underlying soft tissue).
Review of R88's skin integrity care plan revised 6/3/22 revealed a focus that read, The resident has actual impairment to skin integrity r/t (related to) surgical wound right leg, DTI right buttock, stage 2 right heel, stage 3 left heel. An intervention initiated 5/31/22 read, PRAFO (Pressure Relief Ankle Foot Orthosis) boots to bilateral heels while in bed.
Review of Skin & Wound Evaluations for R88 revealed:
5/26/22 read in part, .Pressure . Stage 2 . Right Buttock . Length: 2.3 cm (centimeters) . Width: 1.2 cm . Slough: 20% of wound filled . Goal of Care: Healable . Review of a picture of the wound revealed an open area on the right buttock.
6/2/22 read in part, .Pressure . Deep Tissue Injury . Right Buttock . Length: 4.8 cm . Width: 6.2 cm . Goal of Care: Healable . Review of a picture of the wound revealed an open area on the right buttock, an open area on the left buttock and an area of discoloration on the coccyx.
6/9/22 read in part, .Pressure . Deep Tissue Injury . Right Buttock . Length: 7.0 cm, Width: 7.4 cm . Goal of Care: Healable . Progress: Deteriorating . Review of a picture of the wound revealed a large open area encompassing the right buttock, left buttock and coccyx area.
Review of R88's May 2022 Treatment Administration Record (TAR) revealed:
An order dated 5/27/22 and discontinued 6/1/22 that read, Apply barrier cream to buttocks BID (two times a day) and PRN (as needed).
An order dated 5/30/22 and discontinued 6/10/22 read, magic butt cream bid and prn two times a day for skin care .
Review of R88's June 2022 MAR revealed an order dated 6/10/22 that read, Santyl Ointment 250 UNIT/GM (grams) (Collagenase) Apply to Coccyx topically at bedtime related to PRESSURE ULCER OF RIGHT BUTTOCK, STAGE 2 .
On 6/14/22 at 2:09 PM, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) C, R88's assigned nurse, was asked about R88's wounds. LPN C explained R88's order for Magic Butt Cream had been discontinued, so she did not know if he had a wound on his bottom or not. An observation of R88's wound revealed no dressing covering the wound when LPN C removed R88's brief. LPN C explained the wound needed a dressing on it. The wound opening appeared approximately 4 inches long by 4-5 inches wide, black eschar completely covering the wound. The surrounding skin was red with necrotic tissue present. LPN C reviewed R88's orders and explained there was an order for a dressing on the midnight shift, but there was no PRN order for dressing changes. When asked why there was no dressing on the wound, LPN C explained it must have been removed when R88 had been taken to the bathroom earlier that day.
On 6/14/22 at 3:16 PM, the Director of Nursing (DON) was interviewed and asked who oversaw wounds at the facility. The DON explained she did along with the Medical Director, Dr. F. When asked why R88's wound was classified as a DTI when it appeared to be an Unstageable pressure ulcer, the DON explained she thought it had changed from DTI the last time it had been evaluated.
Review of progress notes revealed a Physician Progress Note dated 6/7/22 at 3:42 PM by Dr. F that read in part, .Patient noted to have DTI of sacral area withsmall [sic] open area now .
Review of a Skin & Wound Evaluation for R88 dated 6/14/22 at 3:59 PM read in part, .Pressure . Unstageable . Sacrum . Length: 8.8 cm . Width 9.1 cm . Eschar: 100% of wound filled . surrounding Tissue: Dark reddish brown . Goal of Care: Slow to Heal . Progress: Deteriorating . Notes: Wound was staged as a DTI on last assessment but with the open blacked area, it should have been staged as an unstageable. Description adjusted for this assessment . Review of a picture revealed black eschar completely obscuring the wound with reddened and necrotic tissue surrounding the wound.
On 6/15/22 at 9:47 AM, Registered Nurse (RN) D was interviewed by phone and asked about R88's wound assessments. RN D explained he took the pictures and filled out the assessments, but the DON staged the wounds. When asked if he had notified the doctor when R88's wound had deteriorated, RN D explained he could not remember if he had put it in the Doctor's Log Book or not.
On 6/15/22 at 10:08 AM, the DON was interviewed and asked about R88's wound assessments. The DON explained the picture taken on 5/26/22 was of a Stage 2 on the right buttock, but there was also a DTI on the coccyx area. When asked if there should have been a separate assessment for both wounds, the DON agreed. On 6/2/22 the assessment only stated DTI when the picture showed two open wounds and a discolored area. The DON explained she had added a note to the assessment that read, .there are actually 3 areas. 2 are stage 2 and one is an DTI. Pictures will be taken separately. When asked why separate pictures were not taken, and why three separate wounds continued to be assessed as one wound, the DON did not answer. The DON was asked why the treatment of the wounds did not change as the wounds increased and deteriorated upon assessment on 6/2/22. The DON explained she felt the Magic Butt Cream was an effective treatment until it was changed on 6/9/22. When asked if a wound deteriorated with a specific treatment, should that treatment be changed. The DON had no answer.
On 6/15/22 at 12:49 PM, Dr. F was interviewed and asked about his progress note on 6/7/22 that said a DTI with small open area. Dr. F explained he did not know how else to phrase the open area with a DTI. When asked if once a DTI opened, if it could still be considered a DTI, Dr. F explained DTI's were always closed.
R82
On 6/13/22 at 10:38 AM, R82 was observed lying in bed sleeping. An low air loss mattress was observed with the setting on AutoFirm . level 5. It should be noted, that was the highest/firmest level.
Review of the clinical record revealed R82 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and readmitted [DATE] with diagnoses that included: sepsis, malnutrition, and dementia. According to the MDS assessment dated [DATE], R82 had moderately impaired cognition and required the extensive to total assistance of staff for ADL's.
Review of R82's skin integrity care plan revealed an intervention initiated 2/21/22 that read, Air mattress to reduce pressure.
Review of Skin & Wound Evaluations for R82 revealed:
6/9/22 read in part, .Skin Tear . Category I: Flap - Flap type (partial thickness) . Left Calf (Lateral) . In-House Acquired . Length: 1.7 cm . Width 1.5 cm .
6/10/22 read in part, .Pressure . Deep Tissue Injury . Left Calf . In-House Acquired . Length: 1.6 cm . Width: 0.9 cm .
On 6/14/22 at 2:28 PM, R82's left lateral calf wounds were observed with LPN C. No dressing was observed on wounds. The bottom wound appeared to be approximately 1/2-3/4 inch circular with black eschar obscuring the wound. The top wound appeared linear approximately 1 inch long and was dark reddish purple in color with no open area. The low air mattress was observed to still be on the AutoFirm level 5 setting.
Review of Skin & Wound Evaluations for R82 revealed:
On 6/15/22 at 2:34 AM, read in part, . Skin Tear . Category I . Left Calf (Lateral) . Length: 2.0 cm . Width: 1.0 cm .
On 6/15/22 at 2:35 AM read in part, .Pressure . Deep Tissue Injury . Length: 2.3 cm . Width: 1.2 cm
On 6/15/22 at 10:38 AM, the DON was interviewed and asked about the wounds on R82's lateral left calf. An observation with the DON was conducted. The DON explained the bottom wound was an Unstageable Pressure Ulcer and the top wound was a DTI. When asked why it had been assessed as a skin tear, the DON had no answer. The DON was informed the low air loss mattress had been set at AutoFirm level 5 since 6/13/22. The DON explained it should be on alternating pressure.
R85
On 6/13/22 at 9:51 AM, R85 was observed lying in bed. R85's left heel was wrapped in a bandage. Both heels were in direct contact with the mattress. Foam boots were noted on the floor by the dresser. R85 was asked if he had any wounds. R85 explained he had a wound on his left foot.
Review of the clinical record revealed R85 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included: fracture of left hip, Parkinson's Disease, and dementia. According to the MDS assessment dated [DATE], R85 had moderately impaired cognition and required the extensive to total assistance for ADL's.
Review of R85's skin integrity care plan revealed an intervention initiated 5/31/22 that read, PRAFO boots to bilateral heels while in bed.
On 6/14/22 at 2:58 PM, R85 was observed lying in bed with both heels in direct contact with the mattress. The foam boots were noted on a chair by the window.
On 6/15/22 at 12:25 PM, R85 was observed sitting in a wheelchair in his room. The foam boots were in the chair by the window. R85 was asked if the foam boots were put on his feet when he was in bed. R85 explained it was very rare when they did.
Review of a facility policy titled, Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment revised October 2010 read in part, .Review the resident's care plan to assess for any special needs of the resident . the at-risk resident needs to be identified and have interventions implemented promptly to attempt to prevent pressure ulcers .
SERIOUS
(G)
Actual Harm - a resident was hurt due to facility failures
Accident Prevention
(Tag F0689)
A resident was harmed · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** This citation pertains to intake #MI00129096.
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to implement appropriate...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** This citation pertains to intake #MI00129096.
Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to implement appropriate interventions to prevent falls, injury from falls, and perform an accurate, thorough root cause analysis and investigation after a fall for one resident (R390), of three residents reviewed for falls, resulting in a fall with major injury. Findings include:
Review of a complaint submitted to the State Agency on 6/13/22 revealed, .that complainant states the resident (R390) fell so hard that he sustained a bad cut on his head and had a brain bleed .
A review of a facility policy titled, FALLS REDUCTION PROGRAM revised on 9/25/16 was conducted and read, PURPOSE: To provide a safe environment for residents, modify risk factors, and reduce risk of fall-related injury .PROCEDURE: 1. Identify/analyze resident risk for fall 1.1 Review the following: admission Assessment .Observation of resident's mobility and/or behavior, Communication from family and/or others. 2. Implement and indicate individualized interventions on Care Plan .3.3 IDT (Interdisciplinary Team) to review each incident to complete root cause analysis .
On 6/14/22 at 2:40 PM, an interview was conducted with the complainant and they said they felt the facility did not implement appropriate interventions to prevent falls, or injury from falls for their loved one. They went on to say R390 had multiple falls at home, had went to the hospital and was transferred to the facility for rehabilitation. They further explained they informed facility nursing staff R390 was a high risk for falls, got confused at night, and probably wouldn't be able to use the call light related to his confusion. They then reported R390 was continent but had an enlarged prostate and needed to urinate frequently. They said facility staff told them they would watch him. The complainant then said on 5/16/22 around 8:45 AM they received a phone call from the facility telling them R390 had sustained a fall and was being transferred to the hospital. The complainant said because of the fall, R390 suffered a laceration to their head and a brain bleed. The complainant said they did not know what caused R390's fall or what he hit his head on to cause the laceration and bleed. They then explained that due to R390's advanced age, they moved him home with palliative care and he passed away on 5/31/22.
On 6/14/22, a review of R390's clinical record was conducted and revealed an admission date of 5/13/22 and a discharge to the hospital on 5/16/22. R390's diagnoses included: unspecified fall, multiple fractures of ribs, fracture of clavicle, urinary tract infection, and unspecified dementia without behaviors. A review of R390's admission fall assessment dated [DATE] at 1:15 AM, indicated they were a High Risk for falls. Section 5. on the fall risk assessment indicated R390 never recalled three out of the four following: current season, that they were in a nursing home, location of their room, or staff names/faces. The assessment further documented R390 exhibited loss of balance while standing, and it was noted Section 12. on the fall risk assessment that read, Intervention/Comment was left blank. A review of R390's orders indicated they were placed on transmission-based precautions for COVID-19 r/t their unvaccinated status.
A review of R390's progress notes was conducted and revealed the following:
A nursing note from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 'K' dated 5/13/22 at 7:26 PM that read, . Guest is admitted for skilled nursing and therapy after hosp (hospital) stay r/t (related to) falls. Guest is .difficult to redirect. Guest is stating that he is not staying here and needs to go home .Daughter reports hx (history) of sundowning (restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion that can begin or worsen as daylight begins to fade) .Guest reports he is cont (continent) of B&B (bowels and bladder) and has requested urinal .Guest was oriented to room and use of call light however guest is yelling out and not using light .
A nursing note from LPN 'L' dated 5/14/22 at 1:38 AM that read, .Guest is A&Ox1 (alert and oriented to self only) with confusion and behaviors. Guest has been seen multiple times by the writer self transferring. When educated guest states It'll be okay .
A physician's progress note from Dr. 'F' dated 5/14/22 at 10:49 AM that read, . Chief complaint: Debility .past medical history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and dementia present to hospital with multiple falls. Patient was diagnosed with left-sided ribs fracture, orthopedics recommended conservative treatment .patient forgetful not able to give a good history .History of multiple falls . Assessment/plan: .Repeated falls .Patient was hospitalized , had multiple falls .Fall precautions .
A nursing note from LPN 'L' dated 5/16/22 at 12:03 AM that read, .Guest is A&Ox1 with confusion and behaviors .
A nursing note from LPN 'H' on 5/16/22 at 8:11 AM that read, .0745 (7:45 AM) Guest was found on floor by speech therapist. RN notified, guest picked up and placed in w/c (wheelchair) . Guest oriented to baseline. Top of head bleeding .Guest had no account of what happened, denies LOC (loss of consciousness) .Guest sent to (Hospital name) via ambulance .
An incident note from LPN 'A' on 6/1/22 at 6:57 PM that read, .Investigation Summary- On 05/16/22 at approximately 0745 the nurse was notified by the speech therapist that the guest was on the floor. Upon entering the room, the nurse observed the guest on the floor. The guest was assisted off the floor and into his wheelchair. The nurse assessed for injury and noted the top of the guest head was bleeding and an old skin tear to the left elbow reopened. The nurse asked the guest what happened and the guest had no account of what happened. The guest denied loss of consciousness .Physician notified and gave orders to send to the ER (Emergency Room) for treatment and evaluation .
On 6/14/22 a review of R390's care plans was conducted and revealed a care plan for falls dated 5/14/22 that read, Focus: Risk for falls r/t pneumonia, multiple falls with rib fractures .and cognitive impairment Dementia .Interventions: 2 PA (person assist) until therapy eval (evaluation) Administer medications as ordered by physician .may use wheelchair for mobility .Reinforce need to call for assistance . It was noted the care plan did not address any additional interventions such as a low bed, increased supervision, scheduled rounding for assistance, or fall mats, despite the resident's high fall risk assessment, history of frequent falls, and most recent admission to the hospital for falls that resulted in rib and clavicle fractures.
On 6/14/22 at 3:39 PM, the facility's Administrator was asked via e-mail for any incident reports or investigation documents related to R390's fall on 5/16/22.
On 6/15/22 at 9:00 AM, an interview as conducted with LPN 'N', R390's assigned nurse upon admission on [DATE]. LPN 'N' was asked what type of fall interventions were in place for R390 and said he was under, Close Supervision. When asked what that mean, LPN 'N' said, staff, Kept an eye on him. LPN 'N' said R390 was getting up unassisted frequently and they constantly reminded him to use his call light. LPN 'N' was then asked if reminding R390 to use their call light was an appropriate or effective intervention given his cognitive status and said, Probably not. LPN 'N' was also asked about R390's room location and whether they were on transmission-based precautions. LPN 'N' said his room was at the end of the hall and they were not sure if he had been on transmission-based precautions.
On 6/15/22 at 9:28 AM, an interview was conducted with LPN/Unit Manager 'A' regarding their note dated 6/1/22 in R390's record regarding the fall on 5/16/22. Unit Manager 'A' said RN 'H' documented form in Risk Management that described the details surrounding the fall and they used that form to write their incident note. They were asked why their note was put in more than two weeks after the fall and said they did not have an answer. At that time, LPN 'A' was requested to provide a copy of the form from Risk Management
On 6/15/22 at 9:45 AM, a review of the Risk Management form dated 5/16/22 at 10:47 AM completed by RN 'H' for R390's fall was conducted and read, .Nursing Description: Unwitnessed fall brought to RN attention by speech therapist. Guest was found on butt on floor, bleeding form <sic> head .Resident Description: guest states he was using his walker to go to rr (restroom) and fell . It was noted this form contradicted RN 'H's progress note on 5/16/22 and Unit Manager 'A's incident note on 6/1/22 that both documented, .Guest had no account of what happened . Continued review of the form read, Immediate Action Taken .911 called to transfer guest to ER . but the next question on the form read, Resident Taken to Hospital? and it was documented 'N' (no). The form further indicated R390 sustained and Abrasion to the Top of Scalp, was oriented only to person, had predisposing physiological factors check marked for: confused, incontinent, recent illness, weakness/fainted, gait imbalance, and impaired memory, had predisposing situational factors check marked for: admitted within the last 72 hours and ambulating without assist. The section on the form that read Other Info read, Guest did not call for assistance to transfer to toilet. It was unclear how it was determined R390 did not call for assistance to transfer to the toilet, considering the contradicting progress notes in the record that documented R390 not having any recollection of the fall. It was further noted the form did not indicate where in the room R390 was found, or whether they fell ambulating, or possibly rolled out of bed, or whether the bed was in a low position, or the last time staff had observed R390 prior to the fall.
On 6/15/22 at approximately 10:00 AM, the facility's Administrator reported she had a soft file regarding R390's fall. At that time, it was requested to review the documents in the soft file.
On 6/15/22 at approximately 10:20 AM, a review of the additional documents in the soft file provided by the facility's Administrator was conducted. It was noted the documents provided did not include any statements from Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) 'M' who had discovered R390 on the floor, no statements from any other assigned caregivers, no interventions in place at the time of the fall, the last time they had been assisted to the bathroom, or any additional evidence a thorough root/cause analysis into R390's fall had been conducted.
On 6/15/22 at 10:11 AM, a phone call was placed to RN 'H' (R390's assigned nurse on the day of the fall and transfer to the emergency room) and a voicemail was left, however; no return call was received by the end of the survey.
On 6/15/22 at 10:25 AM, an interview was conducted with SLP 'M'. SLP 'M' said they were at the end of the hallway retrieving a meal tray from the meal cart parked in front of R390's room. SLP 'M' said they noticed R390 was on the floor in their room. SLP 'M' said they alerted the nurse and assisted RN 'H' to get R390 back in bed. SLP 'M' reported R390 had blood coming from the top of his head. SLP 'M' was asked about the resident's positioning and said he was on the floor at the end of the bed. SLPN 'M' was asked if R390 had been incontinent and said they did not know because he was wearing dark colored sweat pants.
On 6/15/22 at 11:19 AM, an interview was conducted with the facility's Director of Nursing (DON) regarding falls. The DON was asked if R390 should have had any additional fall precautions other than: 2 person assist, administer medications, use a wheelchair for mobility, and reinforce call light use; given his history of falls, cognitive status, and admission fall assessment that indicated he was a high risk for falls. The DON reported staff should have care planned, provided, and documented supervision. The DON also indicated an option for residents with a high risk for falls would be to have them in common areas and place them in rooms closer to the front of the hallway to ensure increased supervision. At that time, they were asked about R390 being on transmission-based precautions and being at the end of the hallway and said they were not aware R390 had been on transmission-based precautions. The DON was then asked about the appropriateness and documentation by staff of reminding R390 to use the call light as an intervention to prevent falls. The DON said staff always put that intervention in place and documented it in the progress notes even if it was not appropriate. During the interview, the DON was asked about the facility's investigation into the fall, the root cause analysis, and the contradicting documentation regarding whether R390 had no recollection of the fall, or whether he reported he was trying to use the restroom. The DON had no explanation, and said they were off the week it occurred. The DON acknowledged the concern and said they would need to look more closely at the investigations in the future.
A review of R390's hospital records received on 6/15/22 was conducted and read, Date of Service 5/16/22 9:15 AM .CHIEF COMPLAINT: Head injury .Patient presents to the Emergency Center today with a chief complaint of a head injury with onset of 7:30 AM this morning .Skin tear on the scalp . R390's Computerized tomography (CT) scan of his head conducted on 5/16/22 at 10:07 AM was reviewed and read, FINDINGS: .There is a hyperdense extra-axial fluid collection overlying the right cerebral convexity measuring up to 5 mm (millimeters) causing approximately 4 mm right to left ventricular midline shift .
A review of R390's death certificate was conducted on 6/15/22 and read, .4. date of death : May 31 2022 .36 .PART I ENTER the chain of events .Cranio-Cerebral Trauma and Complications Thereof .
CONCERN
(D)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Deficiency F0554
(Tag F0554)
Could have caused harm · This affected 1 resident
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure one resident (R#61) of one residents reviewed fo...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review the facility failed to ensure one resident (R#61) of one residents reviewed for self-administration, was assessed for the safe self-administration of medication. Findings include:
On 6/13/22 at approximately 10:50 a.m., R61 was observed in their room, lying on their bed. R61 was observed to have a bottle of Vicks Vapor Rub (Camphor 4.8% (Cough Suppressant and Topical Analgesic), Eucalyptus Oil 1.2% (Cough Suppressant), Menthol 2.6% (Cough Suppressant and Topical Analgesic)) and Thera Tears (Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose) on their bedside table. R61 was queried regarding the medications and indicated that they use the eye drops so the Nurses do not have to do it and use the vapor rub when they get a stuffy nose.
On 6/14/22 at approximately 10:35 a.m., R61 was still observed with the Vicks vapor rub and the Thera tears on their bedside table in the same spot as 6/13/22. R61 was queried if they Nursing staff knew they had the medications and they indicated they did and have had them for weeks. R61 was queried when the last time they had used the medications and they indicated that their memory is not good and did not remember.
On 6/14/22 at approximately 10:38 a.m., Nurse B was queried regarding the Vicks vapor rub and Thera tears observed on R61's bedside table and Indicated they would have to go in and address the medications.
On 6/14/22 at approximately 1:45 p.m., Nurse B was queried regarding the disposition of the Vicks vapor rub and Thera tears that had been observed on R61's bedside table. Nurse B indicated they had confiscated the medications and had locked them in R61's medication cabinet. Nurse B indicated that the medications needed to be locked up and had written a message for the Physician to get an order for the medications. Nurse B indicated they had not noticed them before. Nurse B was queried regarding the ability for R61 to self-administer both the medications and indicated that R61 had dementia and would not be able to administer them correctly. Nurse B indicated the medications needed to be locked up due to R61's dementia and other residents that may come into the room and see them. Nurse B was queried if R61 had been assessed for self-administration of the medicine and they indicated they had not.
On 6/14/22 the medical record was reviewed and revealed that R61 was initially admitted to the facility on [DATE] and had diagnoses including Dementia and Heart Disease. A review of R61's minimum data set with an assessment reference date of 5/5/22 revealed R61 needed extensive assistance with most of their activities of daily living. R61's BIMS score (brief interview of mental status) of 12 indicating moderately impaired cognition.
A progress note dated 6/14/22 at 2:04 p.m., revealed the following: Guest had several over the counter medications at bedside. Writer explained to guest that all medications need to be locked up. She was educated about potential interactions with other medications ordered. Physician gave order for over the counter eye drops which writer entered. Guest had Vicks vapo rub at bedside (writer locked up with medications) and writer explained that if guest is feeling congested or not feeling well it would be harder for her nurses and doctor to know if she was using the Vicks vapo rub .
A review of R61's Physician orders did not reveal any orders for the Self-Administration of R61's vapor rub or eye drops.
A review of R61's care plan did not reveal any documentation that the self-administration of vapor rub or eye drops was part of their plan of care.
On 6/15/22 at approximately 11:14 a.m., Staff Development/Nurse Manger A (SD/NM A) was queried regarding the Nursing expectations/procedures for the self-administration of medications at the bedside. SD/NM A indicated that residents should not have medications at the bedside and that the Nurses should have had them locked up and obtained an order from the Physician to self-administer. SD/NM A was queried regarding the observations of R61 having the Vicks Vapor Rub and Thera tears on the bedside table and they indicated that an investigation should be done to determine how they got the medications and they should be locked up. They were queried if R61 had the ability to self administer the medications and they shook their head no and indicated that R61 would have had to have been assessed to self administer them.
On 6/15/22 a facility document titled Medication Administration (Self-Administration) was reviewed and revealed the following: POLICY: Residents who desire to self-administer medications are permitted to do so with a prescriber's order and if the nursing care center's interdisciplinary team has determined that the practice would be safe. PROCEDURES l . If the resident desires to self-administer medications, an assessment is conducted by the interdisciplinary team of the resident's cognitive, physical, and visual ability to carry out this responsibility, during the care planning process. 2, The interdisciplinary team determines the resident's ability to self-administer medications by means of a skill assessment conducted as part of the care plan process. The nursing care center may use the following as a guideline or establish an alternate procedure: a. The resident is instructed in the use of the package, purpose of the medication, of reading of the label, and scheduling of medication doses.
b. The resident is then requested to read the label on each package and indicate at what time the medication should be taken and any other special instructions for use. c. The resident is asked to demonstrate the removal of the medication from the package and, in the case of nonsolid dosage forms such as an inhaler, to verbalize the steps involved in administration. d. The resident is asked to complete a bedside record indicating the administration of the medication. 3. The results of the interdisciplinary team assessment are recorded on the Medication Self Administration Assessment, which is placed in the resident's medical record. 4. If the resident demonstrates the ability to safely self-administer medications, a further assessment of the safety of bedside medication storage is conducted .
CONCERN
(E)
Potential for Harm - no one hurt, but risky conditions existed
Infection Control
(Tag F0880)
Could have caused harm · This affected multiple residents
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control standards and practices were ...
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**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure infection control standards and practices were consistently followed throughout the facility for seven of seven residents (R3, R10, R13, R14, R31, R63, and R77) reviewed for transmission-based precautions related to suspected COVID-19 exposure.
Findings include:
According to the facility's Pandemic Response Plan updated 3/9/22:
.Manage Residents with Suspected or Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection - HCP (Health Care Personnel) caring for residents with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection should use full PPE (gowns, gloves, eye protection, and a NIOSH-approved N95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator) .Ideally, a resident with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection should be moved to a single-person room with a private bathroom while test results are pending .In general, it is recommended that the door to the room remain closed to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This is especially important for residents with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection being cared for outside of the COVID-19 care unit .If limited single rooms are available, or if numerous residents are simultaneously identified to have known SARS-CoV-2 exposures or symptoms concerning for COVID-19, residents should remain in their current location pending return of test results .Roommates of residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be managed as described in Section: Manage Residents who have had Close Contact with Someone with SARS-CoV-2 Infection .Manage Residents with Close Contact Manage Residents who had Close Contact with Someone with SARS-CoV-2 Infection .Residents who are not up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses and who have had close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection should be placed in quarantine after their exposure, even if viral testing is negative. HCP caring for them should use full PPE (gowns, gloves, eye protection, and N95 or higher-level respirator) .Quarantine might also be considered if the resident is moderately to severely immunocompromised .Symptomatic residents, regardless of vaccination status, should be restricted to their rooms and cared for by HCP using a NIOSH-approved N95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator, eye protection (goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face) gloves, and a gown pending evaluation for SARS-CoV-2 infection .
Review of an alert initiated by the Director of Nursing (DON) to staff on 6/6/22 via the facility's electronic medical record system identified the facility had a resident that was positive for COVID-19 and also had a total of eight staff that were positive for COVID-19 and encouraged them to wear their mask, wash hands, and also to wear goggles/face shields.
On 6/13/22 at 10:00 AM, R63's room was observed to have a sign on the door which indicated they were on contact and droplet TBP. There was personal protective equipment (PPE) available in storage containers outside of the room. Upon further review, this room was shared by R31 who was not on TBP and in order to gain access to R31, staff had to enter and go past R63's room. R63 was observed seated in a wheelchair in the room, not wearing any PPE.
On 6/13/22 at 10:08 AM, R63 was observed to self-propel via the wheelchair out of their room, into the hallway and going up to another resident in the hallway. R63 was not wearing any facemask while in the hallway. Additionally, there were no staff present in the hallway at this time to redirect the resident back to their room or encourage to wear a face mask.
On 6/13/22 at 10:14 AM, Staff 'O' approached R63 in the hallway and stated to R63 that the choir group was there, then placed a surgical mask on R63 (who did not appear upset or attempt to remove when placed) and the resident was brought to the group activity located on another hallway in the facility's common lounge area with several other residents and visitors.
On 6/13/22 at 10:52 AM, R63 was observed in the hallway with a surgical mask pulled down under their nose. There were several staff observed in the hallway (from various departments), that interacted with R63, however no one identified any concerns that R63 was in the hallway, not properly wearing PPE, or encourage the resident to return to their room.
On 6/13/22 at 10:04 AM, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA 'Q') was observed at the bedside of R31 (roommate of R63 who was on TBP for COVID-19) wearing goggles, gloves and a surgical mask that was below their nose. CNA 'Q' was observed to be providing care to R31 from behind the privacy curtain, but also went back and forth from the resident's closet and opening the curtains.
At 10:14 AM, upon CNA 'Q's exit from the room, they were asked about the room and to explain what specific TBP were in place and if they knew the specific reason. CNA 'Q' reported that only R63 was on TBP's and stated they didn't know what they were for since they (facility) don't give that information. When asked about having to pass through R63's room to access R31 that was not on TBP, CNA 'Q' stated sometimes it was like that where you had to go by someone on precautions to get to someone that was not. When asked about whether their mask should be under their nose, or covering, they indicated Above and when they went to touch their mask stated they didn't know it was down.
On 6/13/22 at 10:21 AM, R63 was observed seated directly in between two other residents, and several visitors and other residents were also in attendance.
On 6/13/22 at 10:36 AM, Staff 'O' was observed walking with R77 who was overheard voicing to Staff 'O' that they were chilled and had a runny nose. Staff 'O' continued to encourage R77 to walk with them to the choir activity and stated, It's allergy season.
On 6/13/22 at 10:38 AM, an interview was conducted with Staff 'O'. When asked about whether or not they were aware R63 was on TBP for suspected COVID-19, Staff 'O' reported they were not aware and that the resident was in the hallway and tending to go to those types of group activities and doesn't usually stay in their room.
On 6/13/22 at 10:45 AM, Staff 'O' was observed taking R63 to their room and upon entering the room, did not don/doff any additional PPE. Staff 'O' was then observed to pull their surgical mask down and offer the resident some chocolates, ice cream and water to drink. Staff 'O' was not observed to use hand sanitizer, or wash hands upon exiting the room to head back towards the group activity.
On 6/13/22 at 12:10 PM, R77 was observed seated at a table eating lunch. R63 was observed seated at the table, just to the left of R77. R63 had not been served yet, but their surgical mask was off and placed on top of the table. There were five other residents eating in the common dining area.
On 6/13/22 at 12:25 PM, R63 asked various staff about when they were going to get their meal and no staff were observed to identify any concerns that R63 was seated in common area.
On 6/13/22 at 12:33 PM, a dietary staff was observed to enter the room of R10 who was identified as being on TBP for COVID-19 exposure. Although the proper PPE was donned, upon exiting the room, staff was observed to carry a silver covered plate and cup of juice out of the room, place on the chair just behind R77 and was not observed to wash hands or use hand sanitizer upon exit from the room.
On 6/13/22 at approximately 1:30 PM, R63 was observed self-propelling throughout their hallway without a mask. There were no staff in the area, but there were several other residents.
On 6/13/22 at approximately 1:35 PM, an interview was conducted with the Infection Control Preventionist (Nurse 'A') who reported they had been in that role for about four years. When asked about how the facility handled residents on TBP, Nurse 'A' reported residents that were being monitored for suspected COVID-19 due to exposure would have two signs which identified what was required for donning prior to providing care which included N95 masks, gowns, glove, goggle, or face shield. When asked if residents on TBP for suspected COVID-19 came out of their room, what PPE would they be expected to wear, Nurse 'A' reported the residents should be encouraged to wear an N95. When asked if resident's on TBP for suspected COVID-19 should be encouraged to come to communal dining or group activities, Nurse 'A' reported they might have dementia and might not understand, so should be encouraged to stay in room as much as they can.
On 6/14/22 at 9:27 AM, an interview was conducted with Nurse 'A'. When asked why R63 was on TBP, they reported it was for possible exposure from a staff that tested positive for COVID-19. When asked why they were allowed to remain in the same room with R31 (who was not placed on TBP), Nurse 'A' reported they could remain in the same room but the curtain had to be closed. When asked about having to pass by R63 who was on TBP to get to R31 who was not, Nurse 'A' reported as long as the curtain was pulled, that would be ok. At that time, Nurse 'A' was informed of the multiple observations of concerns with infection control practices.
Nurse 'A' was asked to provide any documentation for R77 that indicated staff had been notified of their complaint of being chilled and runny nose, and upon viewing the clinical record they indicated there was no documentation. When asked what should have occurred, Nurse 'A' reported they would follow up and the nurse should've been notified immediately.
Nurse 'A' was asked how staff became aware of changes such as residents that needed to be on TBP, and reported they do education with orientation and post on the dashboard which CNAs have access to. When informed that CNA 'Q' reported they were not aware, Nurse 'A' reported they would follow up.
On 6/14/22 at 11:17 AM, observations of the same hallway on 6/13/22 now had TBPs removed for R10 and R63, but now had droplet and contact TBPs for suspected COVID-19 for R77 who shared a room with R14 (not on TBP) and R13 and R3. These rooms were identified via signage and PPE bins outside the room.
On 6/14/22 11:19 AM, CNA 'R' was approached by Vendor 'S' who was pushing a cart which contained clean oxygen supplies who asked if it was ok to go into the room. CNA 'R' proceeded to enter the room of R13 and R3 without donning/doffing any PPE, exited the room and informed Vendor 'S' there was no patient care being provided and would be ok for them to go in. At that time, Vendor 'S' entered the room while bringing their entire cart of oxygen supplies and did not don/doff any PPE.
At that time, when CNA 'R' (who was just outside of the room) was asked about why they entered the room without PPE and also why they did not address Vendor 'S' going into the room without PPE, CNA 'R' reported they should've put on PPE and reported Vendor 'S' had only asked if any patient care was going on and told them no. CNA 'R' proceeded to re-enter R13 and R3's room without donning/doffing PPE and stated, we were supposed to tell you that you had to get a gown to go in and put on.
Vendor 'S' proceeded to exit the room and don PPE, but when queried about the oxygen supplies on the cart and why they brought it into the room with them, Vendor 'S' only reported they were cleaning the machines and making sure the filters were wiped down.
On 6/14/22 at 11:24 AM, an interview was conducted with Nurse 'A'. When asked about the change to the TBPs for Rs: 3, 10, 13, 14, 31, 63 and 77, Nurse 'A' reported R10 and R63 were finished with their precautions so those were discontinued. Nurse 'A' further reported that R13 had a fever, and R77 was due to the complaints of chills and runny nose yesterday. When asked if the roommates for R13 and R77 were also placed on precautions, Nurse 'A' reported there was only one of the residents in each of the rooms because they were double vaxxed.
On 6/14/22 at 11:57 AM, an email request was sent to the Administrator, Director of Nursing (DON) and Nurse 'A' to provide the guidance the facility used to determine placing residents on TBPs.
On 6/14/22 at 4:20 PM, during a discussion with the Corporate Clinical Staff (Staff 'T'), when informed that the request for what guidance was used for choosing to cohort residents that were and were not on TBP for suspected COVID-19 exposure was not provided yet, Staff 'T' reported that unless there were no additional beds available, the residents should not be kept in the same room as this was also in their policy and had provided education to the facility staff and that R77 was moved to a room by themselves and the decision was made to keep R13 and R3 together since R3 began showing symptoms of oxygen desaturation and were unsure if due to clinical diagnoses or possible COVID-19 symptoms.
On 6/15/22 at 10:28 AM, an emailed response from Nurse 'A' deferred to their Pandemic Response Plan as what should be followed.
Record Reviews:
R3:
Review of the clinical record revealed R3 was admitted into the facility on 7/23/18, readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included: systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, metabolic encephalopathy, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, malignant neoplasm of uterus, epilepsy, discoid lupus erythematosus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Review of the physician orders included:
STAT CBC and BMP STAT for elevated Temp on 6/14/22 at 10:22 AM.
Transmission Based Precautions Includes: Contact, Droplet and Airborne Precautions. In addition, you must wear an N-95 in the patient's room . were started on 6/14/22 at 2:00 PM.
R10:
Review of the clinical record revealed R10 was admitted into the facility on 3/3/22 with diagnoses that included: pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure with hypoxia.
Review of the physician orders included:
Transmission Based Precautions Includes: Contact, Droplet and Airborne Precautions. In addition, you must wear an N-95 in the patient's room . were started on 6/8/22 and discontinued (d/c'd) on 6/14/22).
F13:
Review of the clinical record revealed R13 was admitted into the facility on 9/12/19, readmitted on [DATE] with hospice services with diagnoses that included: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, personal history of covid-19 (12/20/21), and congestive heart failure.
Review of the physician orders included:
Transmission Based Precautions Includes: Contact, Droplet and Airborne Precautions. In addition you must wear an N-95 in the patient's room . were started on 6/14/22 at 2:00 PM.
R14:
Review of the clinical record revealed R14 was admitted into the facility on 3/10/22 with diagnoses that included: acute on systolic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Review of the physician orders revealed there were no TBPs initiated.
R31:
Review of the clinical record revealed R31 was admitted into the facility on 6/3/21 and readmitted on [DATE] with hospice services. Diagnoses included: Alzheimer's disease, acute kidney failure, dementia without behavioral disturbance, and other seizures.
Review of the physician orders revealed there were no TBPs initiated.
R63:
Review of the clinical record revealed R63 was admitted into the facility on 1/25/18 and readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included: Alzheimer's disease with late onset.
Review of the physician orders included:
Transmission Based Precautions Includes: Contact, Droplet and Airborne Precautions. In addition you must wear an N-95 in the patient's room . were started on 6/8/22 and d/c'd on 6/14/22.
R77:
Review of the clinical record revealed R77 was admitted into the facility on 5/5/22 with diagnoses that included: dementia without behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer's disease with late onset, dementia without behavioral disturbance, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
Review of the physician orders included:
Transmission Based Precautions Includes: Contact, Droplet and Airborne Precautions. In addition you must wear an N-95 in the patient's room . were started on 6/14/22 at 2:00 PM.