Failure to Prevent Pressure Ulcer Development
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prevent the development of a pressure ulcer for a resident, identified as R81, who was admitted with multiple health issues including a fracture of the left femur, dementia, and nutritional deficiencies. Upon admission, R81 did not have any pressure ulcers, but later developed a stage 3 pressure ulcer on the left gluteal fold. The facility's documentation was inconsistent, as the initial skin assessment did not record the pressure ulcer, and subsequent assessments failed to accurately stage the wound, which was covered with slough tissue and should have been classified as unstageable. The facility's policy required weekly skin assessments and documentation of pressure ulcers, but these were not consistently followed. The Wound Nurse admitted to missing the pressure ulcer in the initial assessment and incorrectly staging the wound. Additionally, the facility's plan of care for R81 included interventions such as the use of pressure redistribution mattresses and regular turning and repositioning, but these were not effectively implemented. Observations revealed that the alternating air mattress was not plugged in, rendering it ineffective, and documentation showed that R81 was not turned every two hours as required, but rather only once per shift or less on several occasions. Interviews with Certified Nursing Aides confirmed the expectation of turning residents every two hours, yet the documentation did not support this practice. The failure to adhere to the care plan and facility policies contributed to the development and progression of R81's pressure ulcer. The lack of consistent and accurate documentation, along with the failure to implement prescribed interventions, highlights significant deficiencies in the facility's care practices for preventing pressure ulcers.
Plan Of Correction
Element 1 Resident #81 was assessed by a licensed nurse to ensure wound assessment was completed to include measurements and correct staging. The APM was assessed to ensure proper function. And resident has been turned and repositioned per care plan. Element 2 Residents in facility with impaired skin integrity are considered at risk. Residents in facility have had a full skin assessment completed. If any new skin areas found, they were measured, and assessed, with appropriate interventions in place. Braden assessments were completed to identify the residents at risk for skin breakdown. The DON/designee to ensure accurate staging of the wound was documented and measurements completed. Any identified concerns were addressed. Care plans were reviewed by IDT for Residents with pressure ulcer or at risk for developing to ensure interventions were in place including turning and repositioning to promote healing. Element 3 The Administrator and DON have reviewed using the NPUAP Guidelines for Pressure Injury Staging, Pressure injury prevention and Management and Pressure Injury Prevention Guidelines Policies and deemed them appropriate. Wound Nurse will receive education from the DON/Designee on staging and the documentation required for a pressure ulcer using the NPUAP Guidelines for Pressure Injury Staging. This education also includes who to contact if assistance is needed. Licensed nurses will receive education on Pressure Ulcer/Skin Breakdown Clinical Protocol including who to notify if a new area is observed or a change in injury is noted, also educated on documenting nutritional supplement intake. Clinical staff including Nurses Aides will be educated on Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management including where to find the turn and reposition schedule in the kardex for each resident, as well as ensuring interventions are in place. Daily (Monday-Friday) during the morning clinical meeting, all new admissions and clinical alerts will be reviewed to identify any new skin conditions. New admissions and residents with pressure ulcers will be observed weekly during wound rounds to ensure that the staging of the wound remains accurate. Changes in the pressure ulcer will be reported to the provider for further recommendations as needed. Element 4 DON/Designee will audit 10 residents with pressure ulcers or with a decreased Braden score per week ensuring care plan is appropriate and being implemented, wound notes, and provider notes accurately reflect the status of the pressure injury weekly for 4 weeks and then monthly to ensure that interventions are in place and appropriate for resident. Results will be reviewed monthly by the QAPI Committee. The Administrator is responsible to maintain compliance.