Failure to Accommodate Dietary Intolerances for Resident with GERD
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a feeding tube was not provided with food that accommodated their dietary intolerances as outlined in their care plan. The care plan specifically directed avoidance of foods and beverages that could irritate the esophageal lining, such as tomato products, onions, garlic, and other acidic or spicy foods, and encouraged a bland diet. Despite these documented needs, the resident was observed being fed meals containing tomato sauce, garlic bread, tomato juice, and steak with onions and peppers. The lunch tickets accompanying the meals did not indicate the need to avoid these foods, and the dietary department was unaware of the resident's dietary intolerances related to GERD. Staff interviews confirmed that only texture restrictions were known and followed, and the dietary department had not been informed of the resident's GERD-related dietary needs. The assigned RN reviewed the care plan and acknowledged that the meals provided did not avoid the resident's documented dietary intolerances. These findings were confirmed during the survey exit conference with facility leadership.