Failure to Monitor and Respond to Significant Weight Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper monitoring and follow-up of a significant weight loss for one resident. According to the facility's policy, any weight change greater than or less than 5 pounds within 30 days requires a reweigh the next day, confirmed by a licensed nurse. A resident with diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, type 2 diabetes, and muscle wasting experienced a weight loss of 20.9 pounds (13.59%) between two monthly weigh-ins. There was no documented evidence that a reweigh or nutritional assessment was performed in response to this significant weight change, and no interventions were documented until several days after the weight loss was identified. Staff interviews confirmed the lack of timely assessment and intervention.