Failure to Develop and Implement Person-Centered NPO Care Plan
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to develop and implement a comprehensive, person-centered care plan for a resident with a swallowing problem related to oral cancer and dysphagia. Despite a physician's order for an NPO (nothing by mouth) diet with no end date, the resident was observed drinking from a cup at the bedside, which the resident stated was provided by family and acknowledged he was not supposed to have. Review of the care plan showed interventions such as encouraging the resident to eat in an upright position, eat slowly, and chew thoroughly, which were not appropriate for an NPO status. Both the Care Plan Coordinator and the DON confirmed that the care plan interventions were not suitable for the resident's current needs and did not reflect a person-centered approach.