Failure to Complete Physician-Ordered Laboratory Tests
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that laboratory testing was completed as ordered by the physician for a resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including acute osteomyelitis, sepsis due to MRSA, diabetes, and an open wound. The resident had a critically low potassium level identified through laboratory testing, which prompted the physician to order immediate administration of potassium chloride and additional laboratory tests, specifically a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and magnesium level. The orders were communicated by an RN to an LPN, who acknowledged understanding of the instructions. Despite these orders, only a basic metabolic panel (BMP) was completed, and the required CMP and magnesium tests were not performed. The failure was confirmed through closed record review and interviews, with the DON verifying that the orders for the additional blood work were not entered into the medical record. The LPN involved could not recall details about the potassium or the ordered blood work, and the RN confirmed that the orders were relayed but not executed. Facility policies required nurses to transcribe and execute physician orders or ensure a safe hand-off, and to contact laboratory services as needed, but these procedures were not followed in this instance.