Pain Medication Administered Outside Physician Orders
Penalty
Summary
Licensed nurses administered hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5-325 mg to Resident 99 for pain levels of 7 and 5, despite physician orders specifying that this medication was to be given only for severe pain rated 8-10. Resident 99, who was admitted with polyneuropathy, had physician orders in place requiring pain level monitoring every shift and administration of hydrocodone-acetaminophen only for severe pain. Review of the Medication Administration Record confirmed that the medication was given for moderate pain levels, contrary to the physician's orders. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the nurses did not follow the prescribed protocol and should have notified the physician for pain levels less than 8, as per the facility's policy on pain assessment and management.