Failure to Monitor and Manage Blood Glucose and IV Dextrose Therapy for Diabetic Resident
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide treatment and services in accordance with professional standards of practice for a resident with Type 2 DM following readmission from a GACH. The resident’s GACH discharge recap dated 1/11/2026 included orders to renew fingerstick blood sugar monitoring AC and HS, with parameters to notify the physician for BG >250 mg/dL or <70 mg/dL and to implement a hypoglycemia protocol. Upon readmission, the facility’s admission record reflected diagnoses of Type 2 DM and sepsis, and nursing notes documented that the attending physician’s orders were “verified and carried out.” However, the physician order report from 1/11/2026–1/31/2026 did not include any orders for AC/HS fingerstick BG monitoring or monitoring for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, only an order to monitor for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia three times daily. The nurse who spoke with the physician at readmission did not document that the physician declined to reorder fingerstick monitoring or the rationale, and there was no documentation in the physician or NP progress notes explaining why BG monitoring was not continued despite the diagnosis of Type 2 DM and the GACH discharge instructions. The resident’s existing care plan, titled “Risk for Unstable Blood Glucose Level,” required staff to observe for signs and symptoms of low and high BG and to check BG if it was below 70 mg/dL, with instructions to administer IM glucagon and call 911 if the resident was unconscious or without vital signs. However, the care plan did not specify how licensed nurses would measure BG levels (e.g., via fingerstick) to determine whether levels were low or high. Facility policies on blood glucose monitoring for diabetic residents experiencing a change of condition and on diabetic management required BG monitoring for residents with DM, particularly when they had changes in condition, infections, poor oral intake, or were receiving dextrose-containing IV fluids, and indicated that failure to monitor BG in such situations may place residents at risk for hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, dehydration, and hospitalization. Despite these policies and the resident’s diagnosis of Type 2 DM, staff and the NP acknowledged that the resident was not being monitored with fingerstick BG checks and that DM management relied on oral hypoglycemic medications and periodic blood work. On 2/5/2026, a stat CMP showed a fasting BG of 351 mg/dL. Nursing documentation indicated that this abnormal lab result was communicated to the attending physician via text and voicemail, and the lab results were faxed, but the nurse did not document which value was abnormal. Another nurse later texted a screenshot of the stat lab results, including the elevated BG, to the physician. The physician did not issue new orders to address the hyperglycemia but instead ordered a 1 L NS bolus via IV (from the NP) and then, on 2/6/2026, ordered D5W IV at 60 cc/hr for a total of 3 L due to poor appetite. Nursing staff started and continued the D5W infusion without reviewing or acting on the elevated BG of 351 mg/dL, without clarifying the appropriateness of D5W in the setting of hyperglycemia, and without initiating or obtaining orders for BG monitoring. Multiple RNs later acknowledged they had not reviewed the stat lab results before starting or continuing D5W, did not clarify DM monitoring parameters with the physician, and did not monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia while the D5W was infusing. On 2/8/2026, the resident experienced a change in condition characterized by non-responsiveness, shallow respirations, tachypnea, tachycardia, fever, oxygen saturation in the 80s, and a BG of 463 mg/dL documented by facility staff. An SBAR reflected these findings and the administration of oxygen via non-rebreather at 15 L, with improved oxygen saturation. EMS was called, and paramedics found the resident with altered level of consciousness, tachycardia, labored respirations, fever, and an IV of D5W still infusing at 60 cc/hr. Paramedics reviewed prior lab results showing a fasting BG of 351 mg/dL from 2/5/2026, requested that nursing staff check a current BG (which was 530 mg/dL), and instructed the nurse to discontinue the D5W, which they observed being stopped at that time. EMS documentation and ED records indicated that the resident had been receiving D5W despite hyperglycemia, with ED notes stating that the facility had treated a BG of 350 mg/dL with dextrose. The resident was transferred to the GACH ED, where BG readings remained critically elevated, and diagnoses included uncontrolled DM and severe hyperglycemia. The facility’s DON and medical director later stated that the D5W infusion in the presence of hyperglycemia would further elevate BG and that residents with Type 1 or 2 DM should be monitored with fingerstick BG AC and HS, and the DON acknowledged that the lack of BG monitoring and failure to clarify orders contributed to the resident’s elevated glucose levels and subsequent transfer. Throughout this period, there was ineffective communication among nursing staff, the physician, and the NP regarding the resident’s change in condition, critical lab results, and ordered treatments. Nurses reported that abnormal lab results were not clearly endorsed between shifts, that they did not review the stat lab results before implementing IV fluid orders, and that they did not inform the NP about the elevated BG or the change from NS to D5W. The NP stated she was unaware of the elevated BG of 351 mg/dL, unaware that D5W was being infused instead of NS, and would not have ordered D5W in a hyperglycemic state. The attending physician stated he intentionally did not reorder fingerstick BG monitoring at readmission and ordered D5W despite knowing the resident was hyperglycemic, but did not document this plan in the record. The combination of not implementing or clarifying BG monitoring orders, not operationalizing the care plan to include specific BG measurement methods, not acting on critical lab results, and continuing D5W infusion in the presence of hyperglycemia led to the resident not receiving required monitoring and timely intervention for hyperglycemia.
Penalty
Resources
Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:
A resident with insulin-dependent type 2 DM and mild cognitive impairment had a rapid BG drop after receiving sliding scale insulin. The resident reported fear of overnight hypoglycemia and requested BG checks every 2 hours, but the record did not show overnight monitoring, reassessment, or follow-up. Staff later stated the night nurse was notified, while the resident said BG was not checked again until breakfast.
Failure to provide ordered wound care and aspiration precautions: A resident returned from a dermatology procedure with biopsy-site dressings and the chart lacked documentation of assessment or wound care, while the dressings remained in place and undated during observations. The same resident also had dysphagia with a FEES showing silent penetration with straw sips and an order for no straws, yet was observed drinking water from a cup with a straw; the SLP and DON confirmed the no-straw precaution and expectation to follow physician orders.
Failure to Monitor Ordered Vital Signs: A resident with COPD, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, and CHF had a provider order for daily vital signs, but the MAR showed an O2 sat of 87% with no follow-up vitals documented and another day with no vitals documented at all. Nursing notes did not show follow-up monitoring or documentation of the low O2 reading, and the CNO stated vitals were recorded on the night shift but not entered into the record or explained when the day-shift vitals were not completed as ordered.
Medication Administered Despite Hold Parameters: A resident with HTN and hyperlipidemia had an order for midodrine with BP hold parameters, but licensed nurses administered the medication multiple times even when the resident's BP met or exceeded the ordered limits. MAR review showed doses were given despite systolic and/or diastolic readings at or above the hold threshold, and the NHA acknowledged the medication was administered contrary to the physician's parameters.
Failure to assess and report abnormal blood glucose and document change in condition: The facility did not notify the MD of abnormal CBG results or assess for hypo/hyperglycemia for two residents with DM who had insulin orders and abnormal readings, including low and high values. The record also showed inaccurate documentation for another resident with a bruise of unknown origin that was monitored briefly and then no longer documented.
A facility failed to notify the provider about a resident’s weight changes per physician order. The resident had CAD, HF, HTN, and dementia, and the record showed weight fluctuations of 4 lbs and 5 lbs, but there was no evidence the provider was updated. The DON confirmed the provider was never notified and stated the provider should have been informed per the order.
Failure to Monitor Blood Glucose After Rapid Drop
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide the care and services needed to safely manage diabetes for one resident with insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. The resident’s care plan directed staff to monitor for signs and symptoms of high and low blood sugar, check blood glucose as ordered, administer scheduled and sliding scale insulin as ordered, encourage bedtime diabetic snacks, and provide ongoing diabetic foot care. On 7/15/26 at 12:25 a.m., the resident had a blood glucose of 330 before dinner and received 4 units of sliding scale insulin as ordered. The resident expressed concern about receiving the full insulin dose because of fear that blood sugar would drop during the night. About one hour later, the resident’s blood glucose decreased to 97. Staff gave 15 grams of carbohydrates and one glass of juice, and the blood glucose increased to 160. The resident then requested blood glucose checks every two hours during the night because of fear that blood sugar would fall below 50, and the nurse documented that the night nurse was notified. However, the medical record did not identify blood glucose monitoring, reassessment, or follow-up during the night. During interviews, the resident stated staff did not check blood sugar until breakfast the next morning and said, "They don't like checking it." Staff and the DON stated residents’ concerns should be documented and reassurance provided when blood sugar concerns were expressed.
Failure to Provide Ordered Wound Care and Aspiration Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely post-procedure wound care for a resident who returned from a dermatology visit after a skin growth evaluation and treatment. The resident came back with dressings covering biopsy sites on the head and face, and the dermatology visit summary instructed staff to allow the pressure dressing to remain in place for 24 hours, then remove it, clean the wound daily with mild soap and water, pat dry, apply white petrolatum, and cover with a Band-Aid until healed. During observations on two consecutive days, the resident was still seen in bed with the dressings on the biopsy sites, and the dressings were not dated. The record contained no documentation that the biopsy sites were assessed upon return from the procedure and no documentation that wound care was performed on either day. The facility also failed to follow physician-ordered aspiration precautions for a resident with dysphagia. A FEES showed silent penetration with straw sips of thin liquids, and the resident was ordered an easy-to-chew diet with no straws. The care plan also directed staff not to provide beverages with a straw. Despite this, the resident was observed drinking water from a cup containing a straw. A CNA stated, "Well how else are we supposed to give him a water cup, we have to provide water." The SLP confirmed the FEES findings and the no-straw precaution, and the Medical Director stated he expected staff to follow physician orders and aspiration precautions for residents with dysphagia.
Failure to Monitor Ordered Vital Signs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to monitor vital signs as ordered by the physician for Resident #46, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including COPD with acute exacerbation, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, and congestive heart failure. The facility policy titled Vital Signs stated that vital signs are to be taken as ordered by the provider and documented immediately after measurement, and that abnormal or concerning vital signs must be reported to the licensed nurse for assessment and intervention. A physician order dated 5/19/26 directed that Resident #46's vital signs be taken once daily during the day shift. The June 2026 MAR documented an oxygen saturation of 87% on 6/5/26 with no follow-up vital signs documented, and no vital signs documented on 6/6/26. The resident's nursing progress notes did not document follow-up vital sign monitoring or that the oxygen saturation was below 88%. The CNO stated that there was no documentation of follow-up measures or monitoring related to the low oxygen reading on 6/5/26, and that on 6/6/26 the night shift recorded vitals but did not enter them into the medical record or document why the vitals were not taken during the day shift as ordered.
Medication Administered Despite Hold Parameters
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide nursing services consistent with professional standards of quality by not ensuring licensed nurses administered medications according to physician-ordered parameters for one resident. The resident had diagnoses including hypertension and hyperlipidemia. A physician order dated June 24, 2026, directed midodrine 10 mg by mouth three times daily, with instructions to hold the medication if systolic blood pressure was greater than or equal to 120 mmHg or if diastolic blood pressure was greater than or equal to 80 mmHg. Review of the medication administration record and documented blood pressure readings showed staff administered midodrine on multiple occasions even though the resident's blood pressure met or exceeded the ordered hold parameters. The medication was given when blood pressure readings included 125/72, 125/74, 122/80, 112/80, 126/66, 122/68, 126/68, and 126/68. During an interview, the Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that staff administered the medication despite blood pressure readings that met the physician's ordered parameters requiring the medication to be withheld.
Failure to Assess and Report Abnormal Blood Glucose and Document Resident Change in Condition
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the physician of increased and decreased capillary blood glucose (CBG) levels and failed to assess residents for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, as well as changes in physical assessment, for three residents. Facility policy for hypoglycemia required timely initiation of emergency treatment using approved protocols, and the general documentation policy required accurate, timely documentation of resident status, interventions, and notification of appropriate parties. The facility did not have a specific hyperglycemia policy and relied on physician orders for parameters. Resident R3 had diagnoses including hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, and dementia. Physician orders included Lantus 30 units at bedtime and Novolog 6 units with meals, along with sliding scale insulin. The eMAR showed CBG readings of 70 and 67, and the record indicated the resident was not assessed for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, blood glucose was not monitored for effectiveness of treatment, care plan interventions were not followed, and the physician was not notified of the abnormal results. Resident R137 had diagnoses including hypertension, diabetes, muscle weakness, and cognitive communication deficit. Orders included checking blood sugars as needed for signs and symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia, rechecking blood sugars over 350 in 4 hours, fasting blood sugars every morning, post-prandial blood sugars, and Novolog 25 units with breakfast and lunch plus sliding scale coverage. The eMAR showed blood glucose values of LOW, 432, 45, and 0, and the record indicated the resident was not assessed for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, blood glucose was not monitored for effectiveness of treatment, care plan interventions were not followed, and the physician was not notified. Resident R11’s record showed a bruise to the left eye/brow with unknown origin, continued monitoring notes, and then no further documentation about whether the bruise resolved; the Nursing Home Administrator confirmed the facility failed to document accurately for this resident.
Failure to Notify Provider of Significant Weight Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to update the provider about resident R8’s weight changes per physician order. R8’s record showed diagnoses including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and dementia, and the annual MDS indicated R8 was mildly cognitively impaired. A physician order dated 7-9-26 directed daily weights and to report a change of 3 lbs overnight. The weight record showed a 4 lb decrease from 153.5 lbs to 149.5 lbs and a 5 lb increase from 148.5 lbs to 153.5 lbs, but the medical record lacked evidence that the provider was ever notified of these changes. The DON confirmed by email that the provider was never updated, and later stated the provider should have been notified per the order.
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