Failure to Follow Ordered Fluid Restrictions
Summary
The facility failed to implement physician-ordered fluid restrictions for two residents. One resident had diagnoses including end stage renal disease, dependence on renal dialysis, shortness of breath, atherosclerotic heart disease, tachycardia, and dependence on supplemental oxygen, and was assessed as having severe cognitive impairment. The resident had an active order for a 1000 mL/24-hour fluid restriction with specific nursing and dietary allowances by shift, but survey observations repeatedly found cups of coffee, juice, water, and cranberry juice on the overbed table. The resident’s September 2025 MAR did not include daily intake and output documentation for each nursing shift, and the medical record did not show that intake and output was measured or documented. Staff interviews confirmed that the resident was on fluid restriction and required intake and output monitoring because of dialysis and fluid overload history. A nurse stated CNA staff track intake and output and document it in the medical record or report it to nursing, while a unit manager said the order was in place but intake and output values were not being documented and expected them to be documented to monitor fluid status. The regional clinical consultant and DON also stated that intake and output should be documented each shift as ordered. During one observation, a nurse left a cup of water with the resident and said she did not know whether the resident was on a fluid restriction. A second resident, admitted with diagnoses including sepsis, heart failure, and cognitive communication deficit, had moderate cognitive impairment and was frequently incontinent of urine. This resident had an active order for a 1500 mL/24-hour fluid restriction with nursing and dietary allowances by shift. The September 2025 MAR showed multiple missing or blank intake and output entries across several shifts, including entries marked output N/A and several blank documentation periods. Staff interviews showed inconsistent awareness of the restriction: one nurse said staff check the urinal and CNA staff report intake, but a CNA stated she did not think the resident was on a fluid restriction and said staff give the resident water, juice, and ginger ale. The unit manager was not aware CNA staff did not know about the restriction, and the DON stated intake and output should be measured and documented as ordered.
Penalty
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