Resident Injured by Rodent in Bed Due to Environmental Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide a safe, clean, and homelike environment for a resident, resulting in the presence of a mouse in the resident's bed. The resident, who had significant medical conditions including hemiplegia, hemiparesis, atrial fibrillation, weakness, chronic kidney disease, and severe cognitive impairment, was found during staff rounds with multiple open areas and scratches on the left lower leg. Staff observed a mouse in the bed, along with mouse feces and urine, and noted that the mouse had been gnawing on the resident's leg. The resident was unable to feel pain on the affected side due to her medical history. The incident led to the resident being transferred to the emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Medical documentation confirmed multiple superficial lacerations and excoriations on the left calf, and the resident received wound care, antibiotics, a tetanus vaccine, and a series of rabies vaccinations. Staff interviews corroborated the presence of the mouse in the resident's bed and the resulting injuries. Witness statements described the discovery of the mouse actively biting the resident and the subsequent efforts to capture and dispose of the rodent. Prior to the incident, pest control services had been engaged for rodent prevention, with bait stations and glue boards placed in problem areas. However, the mouse was still able to access the resident's room and bed, resulting in direct harm. Staff and pest control were unable to determine the exact point of entry for the mouse. Observations and interviews conducted during the survey did not reveal ongoing rodent activity, but the documented event demonstrated a failure to maintain a safe and clean environment for the resident.