Failure to Address Change in Condition Leads to Resident's Death
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate treatment and care for a resident, resulting in Immediate Jeopardy and serious life-threatening harm that ultimately led to the resident's death. The resident, who was dependent on staff for oral intake, began coughing and showing signs of respiratory distress while being fed breakfast by a CNA. Despite the resident's evident distress, the CNA left the room to inform an LPN, who later entered the room but failed to perform a thorough assessment of the resident's condition. Throughout the morning, multiple staff members, including CNAs and LPNs, entered the resident's room and observed white phlegm-like secretions and signs of respiratory distress. However, none of the staff conducted a comprehensive assessment or took appropriate action to address the resident's deteriorating condition. The resident continued to exhibit signs of respiratory distress, including coughing and increased secretions, until he stopped breathing and CPR was initiated. The resident was pronounced dead after failed resuscitation attempts by EMS. The facility's failure to assess and respond to the resident's change in condition, despite multiple opportunities to do so, directly contributed to the resident's death. The report highlights the lack of timely and adequate medical intervention by the facility's staff, which was a significant factor in the adverse outcome.
Removal Plan
- Resident #60's progress notes, orders, and care plans were reviewed by Corporate Registered Nurse/Nurse Educator #111. No concerns were noted.
- The DON and UM/LPN #21 interviewed LPN #22, CNAs #12, #11 and #13 in regard to Resident #60's condition prior to the resident coding. Interviews were completed.
- ADON #45 reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- The DON reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- The DON was provided in-service education by VPN #112 on the Change of Condition policy and conducting assessments including, but not limited to, vital signs and pulmonary assessment.
- A Quality Assurance (QA) meeting was held with the Administrator, Medical Director #90 (Via Phone), the DON, ADON #45, CRN/Nurse Educator #111, and VPN #112 to review findings. The QA committee developed, reviewed and approved the plan of action. This QA meeting included a review of the Change of Condition policy. No changes were made to the Change of Condition policy. A determination was made for a plan of action including, but not limited to, plan to assess all residents' vitals and lungs in house.
- All 107 current residents' vital signs were obtained by the DON, ADON #45, LPN #21, RNs #32, #30, #33, #28, Physical Therapist #110, Director of Therapy #100 and all vital signs were completed. Resident #05 refused vital signs.
- All 107 current residents' pulmonary status were assessed by the DON, ADON #45, UM/LPN #21, RNs #32, #30, #33 and #28. All assessments were completed. Resident #05 and Resident #42 refused assessments. Resident #32 was assessed with left lung rhonchi and right lung with diminished breath sounds. NP #80 was notified, and a new order for chest x-ray and albuterol was obtained. Resident #30 was assessed with coughing and diminished bilateral lung sounds. NP #80 was notified, and guaifenesin and a chest x-ray were ordered.
- The DON and CRN/Nurse Educator #111 started an additional in-service education to the current 37 licensed nurses. This education was sent electronically, verified it was delivered, then reached out to every nurse for verification. The education included, but was not limited to, ensuring a nurse assesses residents for potential change in condition. A resident assessment for a change in condition assessment includes, but not limited to, vital signs and cardiopulmonary assessment.
- The DON and CRN/Nurse Educator #111 provided the 37 licensed nursing staff with one-on-one additional in-service education. This additional in-service education included, but was not limited to, ensuring a nurse assesses residents for potential change in condition. A resident assessment for a change in condition assessment includes, but not limited to, vital signs and cardiopulmonary assessment. Any licensed nurse not on-site was provided education via telephone by the DON. The education onsite and via telephone were completed for all licensed nursing staff. All licensed nurses were able to verbalize understanding of the educational content.
- The DON reviewed all current residents with any new progress notes during the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. No concerns were identified.
- To monitor ongoing compliance, the DON or designee will review current residents progress notes daily from the past 24 hours to review for a possible change of condition. This will be completed daily for 30 days.
- A Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet is being completed for 10 random residents to ensure the residents are assessed for potential changes in condition using a general physical assessment and obtaining vital signs. The Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet is being completed by the DON or designee daily for seven days, then three times per week for four weeks, then weekly for four weeks, then monthly. If any issues are noted, the DON will take appropriate action at the time the concern is noted. Results of the Performance Improvement Audit Worksheet will be reported to the QA committee for a determination of the need for further ongoing formal monitoring.
- A QA meeting was held with the Administrator, Medical Director #90 (Via Phone), DON, ADON #45, CRN/Nurse Educator #111, and VPN #112 to review education and the audit findings. The QA committee reviewed the plan and no concerns were identified. The QA committee will monitor weekly for four weeks.
- Medical Director #90 was notified of Immediate Jeopardy by the Administrator.
- Interviews with LPN #23, LPN #27, LPN #24, LPN #21, and ADON #45 revealed the staff had received education and in-service training on change in condition, physician notification, documentation and were knowledgeable about the facility's procedures and processes.
- Review of the medical records for five additional residents (#30, #32, #75, #112, and #113) related to a change in condition, revealed no concerns were noted.
Penalty
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