Resident Unable to Access Call Light While Awaiting Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident who required substantial to maximum assistance with activities of daily living was left in her wheelchair, unable to access her call light. The resident, who was visibly fatigued and shaking, had been waiting to be put back to bed after her husband requested staff assistance. Staff informed the husband that it would take some time due to other tasks. The resident attempted to use her call light but was unable to locate it, as it was found by a nurse in the back corner of the room, out of the resident's reach and not visible to her. The resident was only assisted back to bed after staff were notified of her inability to access the call light. The resident's medical record indicated diagnoses including muscle weakness, encephalopathy, diabetes, and adult failure to thrive, with moderate impairment in daily decision making. She required significant assistance with transfers and other ADLs. Previous documentation showed that the resident had been lethargic and required hospital admission for a severe urinary tract infection. The Assistant Director of Nursing acknowledged the concern regarding the call light but did not provide additional information.