Failure to Ensure Resident Privacy During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) administered medication to a male resident with Parkinsonism, dysphagia, cognitive communication deficit, bipolar disorder, and dementia in the middle of the dining room without obtaining the resident's permission. The resident, who had moderately impaired cognition as indicated by a BIMS score of 08, was observed being spoon-fed his crushed medication mixed with pudding in a public area filled with other residents. This action was taken without regard to the resident's privacy or dignity, as required by facility policy and standard practice. Interviews with the LVN, another nurse, and the Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that medications should not be administered in public areas without the resident's consent, as it could cause embarrassment or loss of dignity. The facility's policies and recent in-service training also emphasized the importance of providing privacy during medication administration and not interrupting meal services for this purpose. Despite these guidelines, the LVN failed to ensure privacy for the resident during medication administration.