Failure to Ensure Bedside Fluid Availability for Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the availability of fluids at the bedside for a resident with diagnoses including dementia and protein-calorie malnutrition. Multiple observations over several days revealed that the resident, who was severely cognitively impaired and required assistance with activities of daily living, did not have water or fluids accessible at the bedside. On several occasions, the resident was observed lying in bed without any fluids available, and at one point, only an empty cup was present. The resident's care plan specifically indicated the need for staff to encourage fluid consumption and ensure fluid availability at the bedside due to the resident's risk for altered nutrition and inability to initiate fluid intake independently. The facility's hydration policy also required that beverages be available and within reach of residents. During an interview, the DON confirmed that staff were expected to offer fluids to the resident whenever entering the room, acknowledging that the resident could not obtain fluids on her own.