Failure to Apply Compression Stockings as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when staff failed to apply compression stockings as ordered by the physician for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses of muscle weakness and disorder of muscle, was admitted with an order to have compression stockings applied to both lower extremities at 6:00 AM and removed at 10:00 PM daily. Despite this order, the resident was observed multiple times throughout the day without compression stockings in place, although the Medication Administration Record indicated they had been applied. The resident reported that the stockings had only been put on once or twice, and staff confirmed the absence of the stockings during interviews. The resident had impaired cognition, requiring staff assistance with bed mobility and transfers, and was noted to have swollen and painful legs. Observations confirmed the resident was only wearing heel boots and not the prescribed compression stockings. When questioned, the LPN acknowledged the resident did not have the stockings on and would attempt to locate them. The Director of Nursing was aware of the issue and stated that compression stockings were expected to be applied as ordered. The facility's policy on physician and practitioner orders did not address the need to follow physician orders.