Failure to Administer Physician-Ordered Medication for Anemia
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer a physician-ordered medication, Aranesp, to a resident diagnosed with anemia and chronic kidney disease. The resident had a documented history of low hemoglobin levels requiring blood transfusions and was prescribed Aranesp 200 mcg intramuscularly every Thursday. Review of the Medication Administration Record showed that the medication was not given on three scheduled dates. Nursing progress notes indicated that the medication was not available because it was awaiting delivery from the pharmacy, and there were delays due to the need for cost approval. Despite the missed doses, there was no documentation that the physician was notified about the missed administration of Aranesp. The DON reported giving verbal approval to the pharmacy for the medication but could not provide documentation or the name of the person contacted. Additionally, there was no follow-up when the medication was still not received after approval was reportedly given. The resident was later discharged home, and the clinical records did not reflect any physician notification regarding the missed medication doses.