Failure to Inform Resident of Diagnostic Testing and Results
Penalty
Summary
Resident #34, who has diagnoses including chronic venous hypertension, chronic embolism, thrombosis of the lower extremities, and anxiety, was not fully informed about physician-ordered testing or the results of those tests. The resident, who is cognitively intact and dependent on staff for most activities of daily living, was not notified prior to a venous and arterial ultrasound being performed on their lower extremities, nor was the resident informed of the reason for the test. The resident reported that this lack of communication regarding tests and results occurs frequently, including with blood work and other diagnostic procedures. After the ultrasound was completed, the resident requested to speak with the APRN about the results, informing an LPN of this request. The LPN did not communicate the resident's request to the APRN or document it, stating she forgot. The APRN was unaware of the resident's request and only provided the results seven days after the report was available. Facility policy states that residents have the right to be informed of changes in their medical condition and to participate in care planning, but these procedures were not followed in this instance.