Care Plans Missing CPAP Management and PTSD-Related Interventions
Summary
The facility failed to ensure R24’s care plan included management of CPAP use. R24 had diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea and dementia, and the quarterly MDS indicated severe cognitive impairment and dependence on staff for most activities of daily living. Orders dated 3/5/25 indicated it was okay to use home settings on the CPAP machine every shift, and orders dated 3/8/25 addressed cleaning the mask, nasal pillows, tubing, headgear, and wiping off the flow generator, but the orders did not include when or how to apply CPAP. R24’s care plan did not include CPAP use. During interviews, staff members gave inconsistent information about whether R24 used CPAP and how the equipment was maintained. A family member stated R24 wore CPAP at night but it did not always stay on and was not aware if the mask was cleaned. One NA stated she did not know if R24 used CPAP, while another NA stated she did not think he wore it. An LPN stated she did not know if R24 wore CPAP and said the mask was cleaned once a week on Saturdays, with the reservoir filled by a nurse. RN-A acknowledged there was not an actual order to assist R24 with applying CPAP at bedtime and confirmed CPAP was not included on the care plan. RN-A stated CPAP should have been care planned and acknowledged the lack of direction could lead to improper use and improper cleaning of the equipment. Observations showed R24 in bed with CPAP not on, with the mask and tubing draped over the bedside table. Later observation found minimal water in the CPAP reservoir, and RN-A was not certain who was responsible for monitoring and adding water. RN-A later stated she learned CPAP masks should be cleaned daily, the remaining water in the reservoir should be emptied daily, and the reservoir rinsed with warm water, but this had not been done for R24. The DON was informed that CPAP had not been on the care plan and that there had not been an actual order to apply CPAP at night; the DON was unaware of this and also unaware the mask was only being cleaned weekly. The facility also failed to ensure a care plan was initiated after a trauma assessment identified a history of PTSD for R27. R27 had diagnoses including dementia with behavioral disturbance, agitation, and repeated falls. The quarterly MDS showed severe cognitive impairment, verbal behavioral symptoms, rejection of care, and use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medication. The CAA for cognitive loss/dementia included psychiatric or mood disorder, and the trauma-informed assessment indicated R27 answered yes to experiencing a traumatic event and endorsed symptoms consistent with probable PTSD, including nightmares and guilt or inability to stop blaming himself or others. Staff interviews confirmed the trauma assessment had been completed, but the care plan did not address potential PTSD. Social services stated the plan of care did not include a plan to address potential PTSD, though it did include a behavioral plan for refusals of care and behaviors. Nursing staff described behaviors that could be related to trauma triggers, including nighttime agitation, being startled by noise, and verbal outbursts telling staff to get out of the room. Family members reported R27 had a difficult war experience, was on edge and startled easily after returning home, and still had triggers such as fireworks. The DON stated a further assessment should have been completed after the trauma assessment and expected a plan of care to be initiated if PTSD history was confirmed.
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