Failure to Provide Oral Care to Dependent Resident Receiving Enteral Feedings
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide necessary oral care to a dependent resident who was receiving enteral feedings. The resident, who had a history of stroke with hemiparesis and dysphagia resulting in pulmonary aspiration, was assessed as cognitively intact and required assistance with activities of daily living, including oral hygiene. The resident's care plan specified an oral care routine to be performed multiple times daily, including brushing teeth, rinsing dentures, cleaning gums with a toothette, and rinsing the mouth. Despite these documented needs and interventions, observations revealed that the resident's oral cavity and lips were covered with dry, stringy, and whitish mucus on multiple occasions, making it difficult for the resident to open and close his mouth and causing discomfort. The resident attempted to communicate his needs but had difficulty due to his speech impairment and the poor condition of his oral cavity. Staff interviews and clinical record reviews confirmed that the required oral care was not consistently provided as outlined in the care plan.