Care Plan Not Revised for Contracture Management and Splint Use
Summary
The facility failed to revise Resident #2’s care plan to reflect personal care preferences and current status related to contracture management and the use of orthotics/splints. Resident #2 had diagnoses including cerebral infarction, COPD, narcolepsy, encephalopathy, protein calorie malnutrition, Crohn’s disease, embolism, contracture of muscle at multiple sites, GERD, major depression, and anxiety. During multiple room observations, the resident was lying flat in bed, unable to answer questions about care needs, and had severely contracted upper extremities, hands, and fingers. No hand orthotics, splints, or braces were observed in the room or on the resident during these observations. Staff interviews showed that the assigned CNA and LPN were aware the resident had bilateral hand contractures and required full staff assistance with ADLs, but they were unaware of any current use of hand orthotics/splints/braces. One CNA stated the resident had used hand splints in the past, but that was many months earlier, and she was unsure whether the splints had been discontinued or lost. The medical record review showed no current physician orders for hand orthotics/splints/braces, and nursing progress notes from 2/1/2026 through 5/17/2026 did not document refusal of splints or braces. The physician assessment noted decreased PROM and contracted upper extremities, including a contracted left hand. The current care plan still included restorative nursing program interventions for PROM and splint/brace application for the left wrist, left elbow, and right elbow, including applying the splints in the morning after PROM and removing them as tolerated. It also included interventions stating the resident may remove the device per preference. However, the Care Plan Coordinator confirmed the resident was no longer on a contracture management program or RNP and no longer used hand splints or orthotics due to continued refusal, but she could not provide documentation supporting refusal. She also stated the care plan should have been revised to remove the contracture management problem area, goals, and interventions and to add a care plan for refusal of care and services related to not wearing hand splints/orthotics.
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