Failure to Follow Physician's Wound Care Orders
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a licensed practical nurse (LPN) failed to complete wound care treatment as ordered for a resident with a non-pressure related skin condition. During direct observation, the LPN cleansed and dressed the resident's right shin skin tear but omitted the application of skin prep, which was specified in the physician's order. The resident involved had diagnoses including dementia and cerebral infarction, was severely cognitively impaired, and was on hospice care. The physician's order required cleansing with normal saline or wound wash, patting dry, applying skin prep, xeroform, and a dry dressing on a set schedule. The LPN acknowledged during interview that the skin prep was not applied during the wound care procedure.