Failure to Provide Timely Pain Management
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate pain management for a resident with end stage renal disease and cerebral palsy. The resident, who was cognitively intact, reported experiencing pain late in the evening and used the call light to request pain medication between 11:30 pm and midnight. Although the call light was answered, the resident stated that the requested pain medication was not administered, resulting in her falling asleep without relief. Documentation in the medical record for that night indicated a pain level of 0 out of 10, despite the resident's report of pain. The following day, the resident reported a pain level of 10 out of 10 and stated she had to refuse dialysis due to unresolved pain from the previous night. The Resident Care Manager confirmed that the resident reported being in pain while waiting for pain medication that was never provided. The facility's policy requires appropriate treatment and services to maintain or improve residents' abilities, but in this instance, the resident's pain was not addressed as required.