Failure to Follow Ordered Fluid Restrictions
Summary
The facility failed to follow its fluid restriction policy for 3 residents who had physician-ordered fluid limits. The facility policy and guideline stated that when a resident had a fluid restriction order, nursing should review the diet order and any special instructions, and fluid should be distributed according to the ordered total volume with amounts assigned to nursing and food and nutrition services. The guideline also listed baseline distributions for 1000 ml, 1500 ml, and 1800 ml fluid restrictions. Resident #2 had diagnoses including chronic stage 5 kidney disease and chronic congestive heart failure. The resident’s care plan identified end stage renal disease requiring dialysis and the need to report signs and symptoms of fluid deficits. A physician’s order dated 1/27/2026 ordered a 1000 ml fluid restriction with 280 ml from nursing and 720 ml from FNS, and no bedside water pitcher. However, the e-MAR from 2/1/2026 through 2/19/2026 did not document how much fluid nursing was to administer each shift or how much fluid had been administered. During interview, an LPN stated the resident received 300 ml each shift and confirmed she administered 300 ml during her shift. Resident #7 had diagnoses including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. The care plan listed an 1800 ml fluid restriction with 1440 ml from FNS and 360 ml from nursing, and no bedside pitcher. The e-MAR for February 2026 did not document how much fluid the resident received in a 24-hour period, and the physician’s order dated 2/19/2026 listed an 1800 fluid restriction with no bedside water pitcher. Staff interviews confirmed the restriction was not reflected on the e-MAR. Resident #23 had diagnoses including hypertensive heart disease with heart failure, chronic diastolic congestive heart failure, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The care plan and physician’s order identified a 1500 ml daily fluid restriction with 300 ml from nursing and 1200 ml from FNS, with no bedside water pitcher. The e-MAR from 2/4/2026 through 2/18/2026 documented the resident’s fluid intake, and the DON confirmed the facility did not follow the fluid restriction policy. The MD stated he expected the orders to be followed and said the three residents were not harmed.
Penalty
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