F0757

D

Failure to Prevent Duplicate Medication Orders and Monitor PRN Sedative Side Effects

Meridian, Idaho Survey Completed on 04-03-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The facility failed to ensure residents were free from unnecessary drugs by allowing duplicate medication orders and not implementing monitoring for medication side effects. For one resident with diagnoses including palliative care encounter, congestive heart failure, and acute kidney disease, the medical record contained two separate PRN orders for lorazepam oral concentrate 2 mg/mL, each directing administration of 0.5 mL by mouth every 8 hours as needed, one for anxiety and one for terminal agitation. Despite FDA prescribing information indicating the need to monitor for adverse effects such as respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, paradoxical reactions, and dependence or withdrawal symptoms, the resident’s care plan and physician orders did not include any documented monitoring parameters for lorazepam use, including monitoring for sedation, respiratory status, or cognitive changes. The DON confirmed that the record lacked monitoring interventions for lorazepam.

Another resident, admitted with multiple diagnoses including diabetes, congestive heart failure, and mild cognitive impairment, had duplicate PRN orders for bisacodyl suppositories. One order directed insertion of a 10 mg bisacodyl suppository rectally as needed for constipation if there were no results within 24 hours from a bisacodyl tablet, and a second order directed insertion of a 10 mg bisacodyl rectal suppository every 24 hours as needed for no bowel movement after the prior bowel protocol regimen. On interview, the CRN acknowledged that the resident had two bisacodyl suppository orders in error. These findings showed the facility did not prevent duplicate medication orders or ensure appropriate monitoring for medication side effects for the residents reviewed.