Failure to Provide Supportive Devices for Resident with Limited Mobility
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to provide necessary supportive devices, such as pillows or wedges, for a resident with quadriplegia and multiple sclerosis, as required by the resident's care plan and the facility's policy. The resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for all mobility and positioning, was observed lying in bed with the upper and lower body facing opposite directions and without any supportive devices in place. After morning ADL care, the CNA left the room without ensuring the resident was positioned comfortably or with proper support. Interviews with the LVN and Director of Nursing confirmed that the resident was not in a comfortable or appropriate position and that supportive devices were necessary due to the resident's limited mobility and inability to reposition independently. The facility's policy required staff to maintain good body alignment and provide proper equipment to redistribute pressure and support extremities and the head, which was not followed in this instance.