Failure to Administer Ordered Medication Due to Unavailability
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with diagnoses including cervical disc disorder with myelopathy, chronic pain, constipation, and muscle weakness did not receive simethicone as ordered by the physician. The physician's order, dated January 24, 2025, directed staff to administer simethicone twice daily. However, the medication was not available from the pharmacy, and nursing documentation confirmed that the resident did not receive the medication for four consecutive days. The resident reported experiencing severe gas pain during this period. The physician was notified of the unavailability, and a subsequent order was given to administer simethicone as needed, but the medication still was not administered as originally ordered. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the medication was not available and not given as prescribed.