Failure to Timely Reassess Bowel and Bladder Function for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an effective bowel and bladder retraining program for two residents by not ensuring timely reassessment of their bowel and bladder status. For one resident, the initial bowel and bladder assessment indicated functional incontinence and occasional episodes of both bladder and bowel incontinence. The facility's protocol required a follow-up evaluation 72 hours after admission, but this evaluation was not completed until ten days later. The delay was acknowledged by the registered nurse, who confirmed that the late assessment prevented the facility from providing appropriate interventions based on the resident's needs. For another resident, the admission record showed a history of traumatic subdural hemorrhage, pneumonia, and epilepsy, with the resident being dependent on staff for most activities of daily living. The initial bowel and bladder assessment indicated the resident was always continent of bladder but always incontinent of bowel. However, the required 72-hour follow-up evaluation was left blank and not completed. The registered nurse confirmed that the assessment was missing and emphasized the importance of timely completion to ensure proper care planning and interventions. The facility's policy on bowel and bladder retraining, last reviewed in August 2024, specifies that the purpose of the program is to assist incontinent residents in regaining control over excretory functions. The failure to complete timely reassessments as outlined in the policy resulted in missed opportunities to accurately assess residents as candidates for retraining programs and to implement appropriate care interventions.