Failure to Protect Resident from Physical Abuse During Hygiene Care
Penalty
Summary
A staff member failed to protect a resident from abuse during hygiene care. Specifically, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was witnessed by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) slapping a resident on the buttocks with an open hand. The incident occurred while the resident, who had severe cognitive impairment, was dependent on staff for all hygiene care and was unable to communicate effectively. The CNA admitted to slapping the resident due to frustration with the resident's crying and personal stress. The resident involved had a history of cerebral infarction, cognitive communication deficit, and Alzheimer's disease, and was care planned for total assistance with activities of daily living. The care plan included instructions for staff to converse with the resident and explain care tasks, but these interventions were not followed during the incident. The event was directly observed and documented by the LPN, and the CNA acknowledged the action when interviewed.