Delayed Response to Resident's Change in Condition
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely treatment and care to a resident who experienced a sudden change in condition, including mental status and neurological deficits. The resident, who had a history of severe cognitive impairment and atrial fibrillation, showed signs of altered mental status and difficulty swallowing on the day of the incident. Despite these symptoms, the resident was not transported to the emergency room until approximately four hours after the initial change in condition was noted. Interviews with staff revealed that there was a lack of urgency in responding to the resident's condition. Nurse B, who was responsible for the resident at the time, did not suspect a stroke and opted for regular transport instead of calling 911, despite the resident's altered mental status and non-verbal behavior. The nurse communicated with the transportation company and was informed of a delay, but did not take further action to expedite the resident's transfer to the hospital. The Director of Nursing and other staff members were not adequately informed or involved in monitoring the resident's condition during the delay. The facility's policy on changes in a resident's condition did not clearly differentiate between situations requiring emergency versus regular transport, contributing to the delay in care. The resident was eventually transported to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a suspected stroke and later passed away.
Removal Plan
- Resident CR#1 involved in alleged deficient practice was discharged to the hospital.
- Administrator notified the Medical Director of the alleged deficient practice.
- Nurse Managers completed a 100% assessment of all residents residing in the facility for changes in condition, and none were identified.
- LVN B was in-serviced on Recognizing a Change in Condition & Monitoring While Awaiting Transport to the emergency room.
- The facility audited the change in conditions for the last 3 days for altered mental status concerns, monitoring of residents, and notification to the physician, no concerns were identified.
- LVN C was in-serviced on Recognizing a Change in Condition & Monitoring While Awaiting Transport to the emergency room.
- The Corporate Clinical Service Director reviewed facility policy regarding change in condition and no revisions were deemed necessary.
- An in-service was completed by the Corporate Clinical Service Director with the Director of Nursing on residents with changes in condition must be monitored closely to ensure that documentation reflects the completion of required assessments, physician notification, on-going documented monitoring of resident status, and transported to the hospital in a timely manner based on resident assessment and physician recommendation.
- The Director of Nursing completed an in-service with the licensed nursing staff on residents with changes in condition must be monitored closely to ensure that documentation reflects the completion of required assessments, physician notification, on-going documented monitoring of resident status, and transported to the hospital in a timely manner based on resident assessment and physician recommendation. Licensed nurses will not be allowed to return to work until they receive this in-service.
- Newly hired nurses will be in-serviced by the Director of Nursing or designee on changes in condition must be monitored closely to ensure that documentation reflects the completion of required assessments, physician notification, on-going documented monitoring of resident status, and transported to the hospital in a timely manner based on resident assessment and physician recommendation.
- The Director of Nursing or designee completed an in-service with the licensed nursing on when to send a resident to the hospital when there is a change in condition that cannot be managed in the facility. Licensed nurses will not be allowed to return to work until they receive this in-service.
- Use non-emergency transport for stable residents requiring evaluation or treatment for non-urgent conditions, such as worsening chronic symptoms or mild infections.
- Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or rapidly deteriorating conditions, such as chest pain, severe respiratory distress, unresponsiveness, or suspected trauma. Always assess vital signs, consult facility protocols or providers as needed, and document the decision-making process thoroughly to ensure appropriate and timely care.
- CNA's received in-services on Changes in Condition and Their Signs and Symptoms/Who to Notify When a Change in Condition is Observed. CNAs will not be able to work until they have completed this in-service.
- Newly hired CNA's will be in-serviced by the Director of Nursing or designee on Changes in Condition and Their Signs and Symptoms/Who to Notify When a Change in Condition is Observed.
- The 24-hour report will be reviewed daily by the Director of Nursing or designee to audit nurse documentation in progress notes of change in conditions and the documentation reflects the completion of required assessments, physician notification, on-going documented monitoring of resident status, and transported to the hospital in a timely manner based on resident assessment and physician recommendation. Discrepancies noted during reviews will be immediately corrected by contacting the attending physician of the change of condition and completing documentation in the patient's progress note.
Penalty
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