Failure to Administer Physician-Ordered Medications for Three Days
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to administer seven physician-ordered medications to a resident for three consecutive days following admission. The medications included an anticoagulant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, diuretic, antipsychotic, and a vitamin for anemia. The resident's electronic medical record documented multiple diagnoses, including cellulitis, anemia, bipolar disorder, hypertension, acute embolism, thrombosis, osteomyelitis, and an open wound. The resident was cognitively intact, used a walker, and was independent with activities of daily living. The medication administration record confirmed that none of the prescribed medications were given on the specified three days. The resident reported to surveyors that several of his medications, including psychoactive drugs, were not administered for a few days after admission. A licensed nurse verified that the medications were not given as ordered. Facility policy required medications to be administered by licensed staff as ordered by the physician and in accordance with professional standards, but this was not followed in this instance.