Resident Rights Not Honored During Wound Care Scheduling
Penalty
Summary
A resident with multiple medical diagnoses, including muscle wasting, morbid obesity, end stage renal disease, and moderate protein calorie malnutrition, was documented as cognitively intact and dependent on staff for most activities of daily living. The resident's care plan instructed staff to provide opportunities for choice during care. However, on the day in question, the resident expressed a desire to get out of bed but was told by staff that he had to remain in bed until the wound physician arrived, which could be several hours. The resident became visibly upset and teary-eyed, stating he could not get up by himself and staff would not assist him. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was not allowed to get up until seen by the wound physician, and that he had been crying all morning due to this restriction. Further interviews revealed that the wound nurse instructed staff not to assist the resident out of bed until the physician arrived, and that the resident refused wound care because he wanted to get up. The resident reported that he was not opposed to wound care but objected to being made to stay in bed for extended periods. The DON acknowledged that requiring the resident to remain in bed for hours was a violation of his rights, stating that a short wait would be acceptable but not a prolonged one. The facility's policy affirms residents' rights to a dignified existence and to be treated with respect, which was not upheld in this instance.