Failure to Update Nutrition Care Plan for Significant Weight Gain
Summary
The facility failed to review and revise a comprehensive person-centered care plan to reflect assessments and interventions for a resident with significant weight gain. Resident 1 had diagnoses including dementia, COPD, heart failure, anemia, and chronic kidney disease. During observations, the resident was sitting in a reclining chair in the dining room, was alert and able to state her name, wore glasses, had difficulty hearing, was on oxygen at 2 lpm via nasal cannula, and was not eating her meals. Staff also observed that the resident’s bilateral lower extremities were enlarged and her pants and socks were tight. Record review and staff interviews showed the resident’s weight increased from 141 lbs. on 11/1/25 to 148.5 lbs. on 12/1/25, which was documented as a significant gain of more than 5% in 30 days, and then continued to rise to 151 lbs. by 2/1/26. The LVN who reviewed the weights stated the resident had a significant weight gain in 30 days and a gradual increase in weight, but also stated she did not assess the resident related to the weight gain. The LVN stated the resident should have been assessed from head to toe to determine whether fluid buildup was contributing to the change. The RD stated the resident had a 13-lb. weight gain over 6 months, described the trend as upward, and stated the resident should have had a nutritional assessment when the significant weight gain was triggered. The RD also stated the facility’s protocol was to place residents with significant gain or loss on weekly weights, that the resident met criteria for weekly weights, and that the resident was not on weekly weights until 2/10/26. The existing nutrition care plan, dated 10/8/24, identified the resident as at risk for impaired nutrition and included monitoring weights monthly or weekly as ordered, but it did not address the resident’s significant weight gain or include interventions specific to the ongoing weight increase. The MDS coordinator and DON both stated the care plan was generic, did not address the significant weight gain, and should have been updated to reflect current interventions and measurable goals.
Penalty
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