Medication Administration in Common Area Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse administered medications, including a subcutaneous injection of Trulicity, to a resident in a common dining area while the resident was eating breakfast. The resident, who had diagnoses of type 2 diabetes, chronic gingivitis, and unspecified dementia, was observed pulling up his shirt to expose his abdomen for the injection in the presence of others. The resident's care plan did not indicate any preference for receiving medications in common areas. Interviews with staff confirmed that it was not permitted to administer medications in the common area during meals due to concerns about resident dignity and the expectation that residents should enjoy their meals without interruption. Facility policy also required staff to maintain resident privacy and dignity during treatment procedures, including protecting bodily privacy. The administration of the injection in a public setting was not consistent with these policies.