Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy During Care
Penalty
Summary
Licensed Nurse 3 failed to promote dignity and respect for a resident with dementia and functional quadriplegia during care activities. The nurse entered the resident's room without knocking or verbally acknowledging the resident, and did not explain the purpose for entering. While preparing for tube feeding administration, the nurse uncovered the resident's abdomen to access the gastrostomy site and then left the room without covering the resident's body. The nurse returned several minutes later and continued the procedure without communicating or explaining the task to the resident. The resident's care plan required verbal and tactile cues, as well as explanations during activities of daily living. The nurse admitted to not communicating with the resident or maintaining bodily privacy during the procedure. Facility policy required staff to knock before entering, address residents by name, explain procedures, and protect resident privacy at all times. These actions were inconsistent with both the resident's care plan and facility policy, resulting in a failure to provide care in a dignified and respectful manner.