Failure to Monitor Effectiveness of Lasix Therapy
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a diagnosis of diastolic congestive heart failure was admitted to the facility and had a physician's order for Lasix 20 mg to be administered every 48 hours for swelling in the feet. Review of the medication administration record (MAR) showed that nursing staff administered the medication but did not monitor for swelling in the feet as required to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. During an interview and record review, the DON confirmed that there was no monitoring documented for swelling, and acknowledged that such monitoring should have been performed. The facility's policy on medication therapy requires that medication use be supported by appropriate care practices, including adequate assessment, which was not followed in this case.