Delay in Initiation of Physician-Ordered Antibiotic for UTI
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to initiate a physician-ordered antibiotic in a timely manner for a resident diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The resident, who had a history of chronic kidney disease stage 4 and recurrent UTIs, reported symptoms of a UTI and confirmed that a urine specimen had been sent to the lab. The culture report, dated 9/15/2025, showed significant growth of Escherichia coli, and the physician faxed an order for Macrobid 100 mg twice daily for 10 days on 9/16/2025. However, the medication administration records for that date did not show that the antibiotic had been started as ordered. The resident stated she was not receiving the prescribed antibiotic despite her symptoms and medical history. The facility's policies require prompt notification of test results to the physician and timely completion of ordered cultures and treatments. The administrator confirmed that the physician had been notified and the order received, but the initial dose had not been administered as expected. This lapse resulted in a delay in providing appropriate treatment according to the physician's order and the resident's needs.