Failure to Prepare Pureed Food to Required Consistency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food was prepared in a form designed to meet individual resident needs during a lunch meal. Specifically, pureed rice pilaf was not prepared to a pudding-like consistency as required for residents on pureed diets. Observation of a sample tray revealed that the pureed rice contained chunks of rice grains and was not fully pureed. The dietary manager (DM) acknowledged that the rice should have been smoother and easier to swallow, but did not check the texture of the pureed food items, citing that she had just started working at the facility and assumed the staff member responsible for preparing the pureed foods was knowledgeable about the requirements. The staff member who prepared the pureed foods confirmed that she made the pureed rice and believed it became chunky due to the addition of thickener. She admitted that the rice was not pudding-like or smooth but served it regardless. Review of the facility's policy indicated that meals should be provided according to physician orders and the facility diet manual, but this was not followed for the pureed rice during the observed meal.