Failure to Obtain Weekly Weights and Address Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to obtain weekly weights for a resident with dementia who was newly admitted. According to the facility's weight policy, newly admitted LTC residents are to be weighed on admission, weekly for four weeks, and then monthly. The resident's medical record showed weights were only documented on admission, and then at two subsequent points, with missing weekly weights on three occasions. The initial nutritional assessment by the dietitian indicated that weekly weights were to be initiated to evaluate the need for further intervention. Additionally, the resident experienced a 10-pound weight loss over a three-week period, but there was no documentation that the resident was reassessed by the dietitian or that further interventions were considered. The DON confirmed that the required weekly weights were not obtained and that no further assessment was documented after the significant weight loss.