Failure to Assess and Intervene for Respiratory Distress and Hemoptysis
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide timely and thorough assessment and intervention for residents experiencing significant respiratory changes and possible bleeding while on anticoagulant therapy. For Resident #16, who had chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and sleep‑related hypoventilation, the care plan directed staff to monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress and to report changes to the provider as needed. Physician orders included PRN albuterol nebulizer, PRN albuterol‑budesonide inhaler, and oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula to maintain oxygen saturation above 92%, with documentation of oxygen saturation, pulse, respirations, and lung sounds pre‑ and post‑administration when PRN treatments were used. The April MAR/TAR showed no documentation that PRN respiratory medications were administered, and the electronic record for 4/15/26 contained only a weekly skin assessment and an infection assessment, with no documented respiratory assessment despite multiple indications of respiratory compromise. On 4/15/26, Resident #16’s oxygen saturation readings included 96% on room air at 4:29 AM and 90% on BiPAP at 8:11 AM, with later readings of 93% on BiPAP. Staff G, the RN caring for the resident that morning, reported that when therapy sat the resident on the side of the bed, she could not get enough air and her oxygen saturation was 68%, prompting staff to put her back on BiPAP, after which the saturation reportedly increased to 94%. Staff G stated she completed an assessment, repeatedly checked oxygen saturation, and listened to lung sounds, but she did not document these assessments or the subsequent oxygen readings. She also stated she increased oxygen to 2.5 L when the saturation was 90%, but did not document the change or obtain a corresponding physician order, despite saying she notified the physician. The clinic nurse later stated she was not told about an oxygen saturation of 68% and that, had she known, the physician would likely have ordered ED evaluation. The DON acknowledged that Staff G noted a low oxygen level of 68% and applied BiPAP but did not document interventions or use of PRN albuterol as expected. Throughout the day, Resident #16 and her husband reported that she felt ill for several days, complained of fluid overload, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, and that she was gasping for air during therapy. The husband and resident both stated that staff did not appear concerned, did not perform assessments when she reported feeling ill, did not offer PRN breathing treatments, and did not increase oxygen. Staff D, a CNA, confirmed that during an attempted transfer with therapy, the resident said she could not breathe, took long deep breaths between words, seemed weak and tired, and insisted on lying back down; he recalled that her oxygen was low but did not remember the exact number. Despite these reports, there was no documented comprehensive respiratory assessment on 4/15/26. Later that evening, the resident called 911 herself, reporting someone nearby was having a stroke. EMS found her pale, cool, confused, and hallucinating, with oxygen saturation in the high 60s to low 70s and respirations of 36. EMS documented rales bilaterally, initiated CPAP with escalating PEEP due to persistent respiratory distress, and transported her to the ED, where she was diagnosed with possible pneumonia and CHF exacerbation. The primary care physician stated he was not informed of oxygen saturations in the 60s or 70s and that such values would have warranted notification and ED evaluation. For Resident #41, the report identifies another failure to follow care plan directives related to respiratory status and anticoagulant use. This resident had intact cognition, diagnoses including hypertension, pneumonia, COPD, and atrial fibrillation, and was receiving apixaban 5 mg twice daily. The care plan for altered respiratory status directed staff to monitor for and report signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, including hemoptysis, and the anticoagulant care plan directed staff to report blood‑tinged or frank blood in urine, black tarry stools, dark or bright red blood in stools, sudden severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle/joint pain, lethargy, bruising, blurred vision, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sudden changes in mental status, and significant or sudden changes in vital signs. The report notes that this resident was reviewed in the context of coughing/spitting up blood while on an anticoagulant, indicating that staff did not complete appropriate assessment or intervention in response to hemoptysis as required by the care plan and physician orders. Specific details of the communication to the physician are referenced in a fax communication dated 3/30/26, but the excerpt provided ends before the content of that fax is fully described, leaving the documented deficiency focused on the failure to adequately assess and respond to the resident’s reported coughing/spitting up blood. Collectively, the findings show that for two of three residents reviewed, staff did not complete timely, comprehensive assessments or implement ordered or care‑planned interventions when residents exhibited low oxygen saturation or hemoptysis. For Resident #16, this included lack of documented respiratory assessments, failure to use or document PRN respiratory medications, failure to document oxygen adjustments and subsequent vital signs, and failure to communicate critical oxygen saturation values to the physician or clinic nurse. For Resident #41, this included failure to follow care plan directives to assess and report hemoptysis in the context of COPD and anticoagulant therapy. These actions and omissions occurred despite clear care plan instructions and physician orders directing staff to monitor for and respond to respiratory changes and bleeding‑related signs and symptoms.
Penalty
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An LPN administered only one tablet of methotrexate instead of the ordered six-tablet dose for a resident with RA. The facility also failed to maintain ordered midline IV care for another resident receiving IV abx, with observations showing a soiled dressing, site discoloration, and later no midline or IV pump present despite orders for ongoing site monitoring, dressing changes, and line removal after tx completion.
A resident with dementia and COPD had an order for continuous O2 via NC, with SpO2 to be maintained between 88% and 92% and not exceed 92%. The record showed SpO2 readings below 88% on room air and multiple readings above 92% while on supplemental O2, with no nursing interventions documented; the DON stated the resident’s SpO2 should have been better monitored and the physician’s O2 order more closely followed.
A resident with a stage 4 pressure injury and sepsis had ongoing loose stools, but the MAR showed no documented PRN loperamide use and the record showed no provider notification despite repeated large loose stools. The same resident was also receiving daily anticoagulant injections and was observed with dark red urine in an indwelling catheter, yet there was no documented bleeding/bruising monitoring, no progress note about the blood in the urine, and no alert charting.
A resident with chronic GI symptoms, malnutrition, diabetes, depression, and PTSD had persistent watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, but the facility did not adequately track stool testing, confirm lab results, or complete the ordered GI referral. The resident reported frequent diarrhea, fatigue, reduced intake, and soreness, while staff documentation showed conflicting entries about specimen refusal versus sleeping, and the lab later had no record of the specimen that was charted as sent. The record also lacked evidence that the GI specialist appointment was scheduled or completed, and a separate resident’s ordered ECHO for pericardial effusion was not documented as scheduled or completed.
A resident with a growing facial lesion had a dermatology consult delayed for about 3 months. The resident’s chart included provider orders for dermatology follow-up, but the appointment remained pending while the lesion increased in size. Notes from the NP and unit manager documented ongoing waiting for the consult, and the DON stated the health plan should have scheduled it and that consults need to be scheduled in a timely manner.
A resident with HTN and HF had an order for metoprolol succinate to be held if the pulse was below 55 bpm, but MAR and pulse record review showed missing pulse documentation on multiple occasions, pulse checks done after the med was given, and doses administered when the pulse was less than 55 bpm. Staff stated the pulse should have been checked before administration, and the DNS confirmed the expectation was to follow the order and hold the med when indicated.
Medication Dose Error and Midline IV Care Failure
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to administer the correct dosage of Methotrexate Sodium for a resident with rheumatoid arthritis. During medication administration, an LPN poured only one 2.5 mg tablet into the medication cup and then administered the medications, even though the physician order required six tablets by mouth every Wednesday for a total dose of 15 mg. The LPN later stated that she should have given six tablets and not one, and the DON stated that the nurse reported the error to her and was instructed to call the provider and notify the resident. The facility policy stated that medications are to be administered in accordance with prescriber orders. The facility also failed to provide IV device care as ordered for a resident receiving midline therapy and IV antibiotics. Observation showed the resident’s midline dressing dated 5/30/2026 with visible purple discoloration at the insertion site and dry blood under the clear dressing, while an empty antibiotic bag remained in the room. On a later observation, the midline and dressing were no longer present, and the IV pump was also absent. The resident’s orders included weekly dressing changes, every-shift site monitoring, and removal of the midline after treatment was complete. The Medical Director stated that the line is to be removed immediately after the last antibiotic dose, and the DON stated that after a verbal order is obtained it is to be entered into PCC by the end of the shift.
Failure to Follow Oxygen Orders for Resident with COPD
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure physician orders were followed for Resident #11, who was admitted with multiple diagnoses including dementia and COPD. On 6/8/26, the resident had an order for oxygen via nasal cannula continuously and twice daily for COPD, with oxygen titrated to maintain SpO2 between 88% and 92% and not to exceed 92%. The resident’s medical record showed SpO2 readings below 88% on 5/23/26 at 4:27 PM and 5/16/26 at 10:20 AM while on room air, with no interventions documented. The record also showed multiple SpO2 readings above the ordered range while the resident was on supplemental oxygen, including readings of 95% to 98% on several dates, without any nursing intervention documented. Nursing progress notes likewise documented SpO2 of 97% and 98% on 2 L NC without documented intervention. On 6/9/26, the DON stated the resident’s SpO2 should have been better monitored and the physician’s oxygen order more closely followed by staff and was not.
Failure to Monitor Loose Stools and Bleeding During Anticoagulant Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide treatment and care according to orders, resident preferences, and goals for Resident 81, who was admitted with a stage 4 pressure injury to the bottom and sepsis and was able to make needs known. For bowel management, the resident reported loose stools for a couple of weeks and later stated they had been having diarrhea with abdominal discomfort for 3 days, so loperamide was started as needed. The bowel monitor documented repeated loose stools over several days, including two loose stools on 06/04/2026, three large loose stools on 06/05/2026, and two large loose stools on 06/06/2026 through 06/08/2026. The resident stated staff had not given any medication for the loose stools, the June 2026 MAR showed no documented doses of loperamide, and the record showed no documentation that the provider was notified of the three large loose stools. Staff interviews indicated that frequent loose stools should have been reported to the provider, PRN medication given, and the resident placed on alert charting, but this did not occur. For anticoagulant therapy, Resident 81 was receiving daily anticoagulant injections starting 05/21/2026. During observation, the resident was lying in bed with an indwelling urinary catheter and dark red urine was noted in the tube and bag; the resident stated, "It's never been like that. It's scary." The EHR showed no monitoring for bleeding and bruising related to anticoagulant therapy, and the progress notes contained no documentation about the blood in the urine or alert charting. Staff interviews confirmed the resident had blood in the catheter for a couple of days and that monitoring for bleeding should have been in place, but it was not.
Failure to Follow Up on GI Symptoms, Stool Testing, Specialty Referral, and Diagnostic Order
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to assess, monitor, follow up, and implement physician-ordered care for a resident with ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms, and failed to develop a care plan addressing persistent diarrhea. The resident was cognitively intact, had diagnoses including diabetes mellitus, protein-calorie malnutrition, depression, and PTSD, and was documented as continent, independent with toileting and transfers, and using a wheelchair. The resident’s care plan addressed GI issues such as peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, and chronic nausea, but it did not include a problem, goals, or interventions for ongoing diarrhea, abdominal pain, stool testing, infectious GI illness, or management of frequent stools. The resident’s provider documented worsening diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, and ordered stool testing for enteric pathogens and C. difficile, along with a GI specialist follow-up. Facility records showed repeated documentation of stool collection attempts, including entries that the resident refused or was sleeping, while the resident stated she never refused and that staff often asked when she could not provide a sample or was asleep. A stool specimen was documented as collected and faxed to the lab as STAT, but the medical record lacked laboratory results for that specimen, and later review with the lab found no record that the specimen had been received. The resident continued to report frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, reduced intake, and soreness from repeated bowel movements and wiping. The record also showed that the ordered GI specialist appointment was not documented as scheduled or completed. Staff interviews identified that the HUC was responsible for scheduling follow-up appointments, while nursing staff were expected to enter orders and follow up on pending testing. The DON stated staff should have followed up on pending stool testing, maintained infection control precautions while awaiting results, and notified the provider if the resident refused specimen collection. The resident was later found to have C. difficile detected on stool testing, and the record showed delayed identification and treatment after weeks of unresolved symptoms. In a separate deficiency, the facility failed to ensure a physician’s order was implemented for another resident with end stage renal disease, pericardial effusion, atrial flutter, chronic heart failure, and dialysis dependence. The physician ordered that an echocardiogram be scheduled for the resident by a specified timeframe, but the electronic record lacked documentation that the ECHO had been scheduled, implemented, or completed. The DON and Administrator stated that physician orders were to be entered and verified, and that medical records staff scheduled appointments and nurse managers oversaw implementation, but the order was not completed.
Delayed Dermatology Appointment for Facial Lesion
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a dermatology appointment was scheduled for a resident with a facial skin growth, resulting in a 3-month delay in evaluation. Resident #97 had a raised red growth on the left side of the chin/jaw area, with part of the growth hanging from the chin and tangled with the resident’s long hair. During an interview, the resident stated that the nurse practitioner wanted it removed and that it was benign, and later stated that it was growing and needed to be seen by a dermatologist. Record review showed provider orders dated 2/16/2026 and 3/6/2026 for follow-up with dermatology for the lesion on the left jaw/facial lesion, with the health plan to schedule the appointment. Notes from the nurse practitioner and unit manager documented that the resident had been waiting on dermatology, that the lesion had increased in size over the past month, and that the appointment was still pending. The DON stated the health care plan should have scheduled the dermatology consult and that consults need to be scheduled in a timely manner, and also stated there was no policy for scheduling appointments.
Failure to Follow Hold Parameters for Metoprolol
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow physician orders for a resident admitted with hypertension and heart failure who had an order for metoprolol succinate to be held if the pulse was less than 55 bpm. Review of the MAR and pulse records showed no pulse documentation on multiple dates in May and June 2026, and on several dates the resident’s pulse was taken after the medication had already been administered. The records also showed that metoprolol succinate was administered on several dates when the resident’s pulse was less than 55 bpm. During interviews, staff stated the pulse should have been checked before giving the medication, and the DNS stated the MAR was not triggering for the pulse to be taken prior to administration, while also confirming the expectation was to follow the physician order and hold the medication if the pulse was below 55 bpm.
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