Failure to Respond Timely to Resident's Request for Toileting Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of left femur fracture, hemiplegia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, parkinsonism, major depressive disorder, esophageal obstruction, gastronomy, and dysphagia was assessed as requiring total staff assistance for toileting due to right-sided hemiplegia. The resident's care plan identified a self-care performance deficit and specified the need for total assistance with toileting. On the observed date, the resident was found in the restroom calling for help while attempting to sit on the toilet without assistance. The emergency call light was activated and audible at the nurse's station, but no staff were present in the hallway or at the nurse's station to respond. Staff failed to answer the resident's call light and request for assistance for 15 minutes. Interviews with an LPN and the DON confirmed that the assigned CNAs were not present on the hall and that the resident's request should have been answered in a timely manner.