Failure to Follow Physician Orders for PRN Pain Medication
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that physician's orders for as needed (prn) pain medications were followed for one resident. According to the clinical record review, the resident was cognitively intact, required supervision with daily care, and had diagnoses including right arm fracture, osteoporosis, and a pathological lumbar spine fracture. Physician's orders specified that acetaminophen (Tylenol) was to be administered for mild pain (pain level 1-3) and oxycodone for moderate to severe pain (pain level 4-10). However, the Medication Administration Record showed that oxycodone was given for a pain level of 3, and Tylenol was given for a pain level of 5, both of which were outside the prescribed parameters. The DON confirmed that the medications were not administered according to the physician's orders.