Resident Not Properly Positioned During Feeding
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with diagnoses including dysphagia, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and muscle weakness, who was dependent on staff for activities of daily living and required assistance with feeding, was not positioned appropriately during mealtime. The resident's care plan specified that the head of the bed should be maintained at 30-45 degrees upright during feeding. However, during an observation, a certified nursing assistant was seen feeding the resident while the resident was lying on their left side with the head of the bed at a low 20-degree angle. The CNA acknowledged that this was not a proper feeding position and that the resident should have been placed in an upright position of at least 60 degrees. Further interviews with nursing staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed that feeding a resident in a low side-lying position is not recommended, as it can cause swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration. The facility's policy and procedure on accidents and supervision also indicated that residents should receive adequate supervision and interventions to reduce hazards and risks. The failure to position the resident upright during feeding was inconsistent with the resident's care plan and facility policy, constituting a deficiency in providing a safe environment and adequate supervision to prevent accidents.