Failure to Explain Medications Prior to Administration
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that medications, their purposes, and potential side effects were explained to a resident prior to administration. During an observation, an LVN administered multiple medications to a resident without providing explanations about the medications, their intended uses, or possible side effects. The resident, who had diagnoses including pulmonary embolism, diabetes mellitus, and dementia, was documented as lacking capacity to understand and make decisions, and required substantial to maximal assistance with activities of daily living and was dependent for mobility. Interviews with the LVN, the resident, and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the practice of explaining medications prior to administration was not followed in this instance. The resident expressed a desire to know what medications were being given and their purposes, stating it would have reduced confusion and provided a sense of choice. Facility policies reviewed indicated that residents have the right to be informed about their care and to participate in care planning and treatment, as well as to be treated with dignity and respect.