Incorrect Dosage of Zinc Sulfate Administered
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when LVN 8 failed to administer zinc sulfate to a resident as ordered by the physician. During a medication administration observation, LVN 8 provided the resident with a 50 mg tablet of zinc sulfate instead of the prescribed 220 mg tablet. This discrepancy was confirmed through medical record review and direct interview with LVN 8, who acknowledged the error. The facility's policy and procedure for administering medications requires that medications be given in accordance with the prescriber's orders, including the correct dosage and timing. The resident involved had a history and physical examination indicating capacity to understand and make decisions. The physician's order for zinc sulfate 220 mg daily was clearly documented in the resident's order summary report. The Director of Nursing (DON) reviewed the findings and confirmed that the licensed nurse should have checked both the physician's order and the medication prior to administration. The failure to administer the correct dosage of zinc sulfate as ordered constituted a lapse in following established medication administration protocols.