Delayed Response to Call Lights
Summary
The facility failed to timely answer call lights for 2 of 2 residents reviewed for resident rights. R7 was admitted with diagnoses including End Stage Renal Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Pain, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Peripheral Vascular Disease, and acute pulmonary edema. Her MDS documented that she was moderately cognitively impaired, incontinent of bowel and bladder, and required substantial to maximal assistance with toileting hygiene and transfers. Her care plan identified her as at risk for skin breakdown or pressure ulcers related to decreased mobility and directed staff to keep her skin and linens clean and dry. R7 stated that while in her chair she had an accident, pushed her call light for help, and remained wet and dirty for about 2 hours before staff came to her room. She stated she was crying and screaming in pain because she had to sit in her own bowel movement, and that her roommate called the nurse's station because no one answered the call light. R7 also stated staff did not help sooner because they were following the RN's directions. V5, a CNA, stated R7 wanted to get up before supper, was told she might not be able to return to bed immediately after dinner, and was not put back to bed until about 7:50 PM. V22, a CNA, gave a similar account and stated R7 was upset and said she had pooped herself while waiting. R60 was admitted with diagnoses including hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, cervicalgia, and gait and mobility abnormalities. Her MDS documented that she was cognitively intact, used a wheelchair, and required substantial to maximal assistance with toileting hygiene and transfers. R60 stated she had to call the nurse's station phone because staff were not answering the call light for her roommate, and that she had waited over a half hour for staff to answer her own call light. V20, a CNA, stated R60 called the nurse's station and reported that R7 needed a nurse, after which V21, an LPN, and V20 went to the room and assessed R7. The facility's resident council minutes and grievance form also documented concerns about call light wait time and call lights not being answered in a timely manner, and the facility policy required immediate acknowledgement within 1 to 3 minutes and urgent requests such as pain, toileting, or distress to receive priority response within 5 minutes or less.
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