Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** B. During a review of Resident 237's Face Sheet, not dated, the document indicated the resident was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including cardiac arrest (abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness), end stage renal disease (ESRD - permanent kidney function loss), dependence on renal dialysis (treatment to filter wastes, salts, and fluid from blood for those with kidney failure), dependence on ventilator (a machine that delivers oxygen to the lungs to assist with breathing), tracheostomy (a surgically created opening through the neck into the trachea [windpipe] to help with breathing), atrophy (muscle wasting), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing food or liquids), and anemia (low number of red blood cells).
During a review of Resident 237's Comprehensive Resident Assessment, dated December 9, 2021, the document indicated the resident had generalized edema (swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues); there was no indication the resident had localized swelling to the left side of her face.
During a review of Resident 237's physician telephone order, dated December 16, 2021, indicated the resident's physician placed an order for the resident to be transferred to the acute care hospital via 9-1-1 for evaluation of respiratory distress.
During a review of Resident 237's SBAR (abbreviation for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation - a communication tool used among healthcare professionals) Communication Form, dated December 16, 2021, the document indicated the resident had a COC with observed/evaluated swollen left side of the face with facial grimacing and blood inside the mouth.
During a review of Resident 237's SBAR Communication Form, dated December 16, 2021, the document indicated the resident had a COC with observed/evaluated respiratory distress for respiratory rate of thirty-four (34) [regular respiratory rate for adults is twelve (12) to twenty (20) breaths per minute]. This document indicated there was no recorded oxygen saturation (indicates the amount of oxygen traveling throughout the body with red blood cells; normal range is ninety-five [95] to one hundred [100] percent [%]) for the resident.
During a review of Resident 237's Subacute Daily Nursing Assessment forms, dated December 10 to December 15, 2021 for both 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., shifts indicated there was no nursing notes regarding the resident had left facial swelling, and no COC.
During a review of Resident 237's Continuous Ventilator Flow Sheet, dated December 16, 2021, the document indicated the resident had an episode of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) during a ventilator weaning (accustom to manage without something on which someone has become dependent of excessively fond) trial at 6 p.m. This document also indicated the resident had a COC in which her oxygen saturation dropped to sixty-nine (69) % while on the ventilator at 8:03 p.m. This document further indicated emergency medical services (EMS - ambulance) was activated via 9-1-1 due to the resident's unstable condition.
During a concurrent observation and interview, on December 14, 2021, at 12:28 p.m., in room fourteen (14), of Resident 237, with the resident's Family Member (FM) 1, FM1 and three other family members were observed conducting a visit with the resident outside of the room with the family able to view the resident from outside the glass sliding door. FM1 stated she and her family were concerned about swelling they observed on the left side of the resident's face and the discoloration they noticed on her right lower lip, which the family did not observe on December 11, 2021, the last time they had visited Resident 237. FM1 stated the family was not notified of Resident 237's left facial swelling or discoloration on her right lower lip.
During an interview, on December 14, 2021, at 3:41 p.m., with both Resident 237's FM1 and FM2, FM2 stated Resident 237 was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. FM2 stated the family last visited Resident 237 on December 11, 2021 and today the resident looks swollen, especially the left side of her face, and stated the resident appeared to have a bruise on her right lower lip. FM2 stated they notified staff (but could not recall whom) of their concerns, to which staff informed the family they would look into it, then called the family via video chat to show them the Resident 237's face and stated there was nothing wrong with the resident. FM1 stated staff had not notified the family about Resident 237's facial swelling or lip discoloration. FM1 stated Resident 237's parents were concerned for the resident because her face was not swollen at their last visit on December 11, 2021.
During a concurrent observation and interview, on December 16, 2021, at 8:35 a.m., in room [ROOM NUMBER], of Resident 237, with Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) 2, the resident was observed lying in bed. CNA2 stated the resident was a new admission and has been at the facility for approximately two weeks. CNA2 stated Resident 237 is young, not alert, and non-verbal. CNA2 stated he was not sure why the resident was at the facility, and was not sure what type of therapy the resident is receiving. CNA2 stated when a resident is newly admitted , a licensed nurse performs a full body assessment to check for skin issues and takes measurements if present. CNA2 stated the charge nurses tell CNAs about the residents in report, and the treatment nurse or charge nurse communicates if there are changes in residents' treatment plans with the CNAs. When asked about Resident 237's facial swelling, CNA2 confirmed the resident has localized facial swelling on the left side. CNA2 stated Resident 237 had facial swelling because she receives dialysis. CNA2 then stated maybe Resident 237 had a stroke and that she was admitted with the facial swelling. CNA2 stated Resident 237 usually turns her head to the left so nursing staff try to reposition the resident's head by placing a towel underneath her pillow to keep her head straight to avoid excess saliva because it can cause a skin rash. CNA2 repositioned Resident 237's head in a straight position then let go, to which the resident's head turned to the left. CNA2 stated there were no unusual occurrences or COC reported to him regarding Resident 237; CNA2 stated there was nothing different with the resident to his knowledge.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on December 16, 2021, at 11:28 a.m., with Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 2, LVN2 stated when a resident is observed to have a COC, the licensed nurses assess the issue, call the physician, notify the family, carry out the physician's orders, care plan the COC, and monitor the resident for three days. LVN2 stated the licensed nurses communicate with all nursing staff if a resident had a COC during huddle every beginning of the shift to ensure nurses are keeping an eye on the issue and be on top of the care, especially if there are skin issues. LVN2 stated if CNAs are not made aware of COCs, they would not know how to prevent further damage. LVN2 stated if a COC occurs during the day, another small huddle is conducted to inform all nursing staff. LVN2 stated nurses follow COC procedures to prevent further problems for the resident and for other residents. LVN2 stated she was not aware of any COC for Resident 237 who was newly admitted a week or two ago. LVN2 reviewed Resident 237's medical chart and stated the resident was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. LVN2 again stated she did not hear about any COC for Resident 237 in the morning huddle.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on December 16, 2021, at 11:59 a.m., of Resident 237's medical chart, with LVN2, LVN2 reviewed the resident's care plan and stated there were no care plans addressing facial swelling. LVN2 reviewed Resident 237's Comprehensive Resident Assessment, dated December 9, 2021, and stated the document indicated the resident had generalized swelling. LVN2 reviewed Resident 237's medical chart and stated there was no Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) form completed for facial swelling.
During a concurrent observation and interview, on December 17, 2021, at 8:19 a.m., in room [ROOM NUMBER], with LVN1, it was observed Resident 237 was not in bed, nor in the room. LVN1 stated Resident 237 was sent to the hospital yesterday evening.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on December 17, 2021, at 8:20 a.m., of Resident 237's medical chart, with Registered Nurse (RN) 1, RN1 reviewed the resident's Transfer Sheet, dated December 16, 2021, and stated Resident 237 was sent to a local acute care hospital yesterday at 8:40 p.m. RN1 reviewed Resident 237's SBAR, dated December 16, 2021, and stated the document indicated the resident was transferred to a local acute care hospital for respiratory distress. RN1 reviewed another SBAR for Resident 237, dated December 16, 2021, and stated the document indicated the resident was transferred to a local acute care hospital for swelling on the left side of the resident's face. RN1 stated her first day working with Resident 237 was on December 11, 2021, and further stated the resident did not have facial swelling. RN2 then stated Resident 237 did not have facial swelling that she observed on December 12, 2021, nor did she have facial swelling on December 15, 2021. RN1 stated she did not receive any reports that Resident 237 had facial swelling. Upon showing RN1 three pictures of Resident 237's face, dated December 14, 15, and 16, 2021, RN1 stated it appeared that the resident had facial swelling on the left side. RN2 again stated she did not receive report about the swelling and that she did not notice it. RN2 stated she performs rounds to check on the residents every two hours in which she checks the residents' breathing, how they look - to see if they are grimacing or if they appear to be in distress.
During an interview, on December 17, 2021, at 12:04, with the Director of Staff Development (DSD), the DSD stated when a resident has a COC, nursing staff need to report it to the doctor and family immediately, and initiate a care plan for the COC as soon as possible so the care team knows how to care for the resident.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure (P&P), entitled Resident Rights, dated September 2017, indicated residents have the right to reside and receive services with reasonable accommodation of resident needs and preferences unless to do so would endanger the health or safety of the resident or other residents.
A review of the facility's P&P, entitled Comprehensive Care Planning, dated March 2019, indicated the following:
It is the policy of this facility that a comprehensive resident-centered care plan be developed for each resident that includes measurable objectives and timeframes to meet each resident's medical, nursing and mental and psychosocial needs that are identified in the comprehensive assessment . The care plan must be reviewed and revised periodically, at least quarterly, and on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in the resident and the services provided or arranged must be consistent with each resident's written plan.
A review of the facility's P&P, entitled Change of Condition, dated march 2021, indicated the following:
It is the policy of this facility that any changes in a resident's condition be thoroughly assessed and evaluated with physician notification for early clinical management to avoid unnecessary readmissions to acute hospitals .
If there is a significant change in a resident's physical or mental condition, a thorough assessment of the resident's condition must be done by a licensed nurse.
A review of the facility's job description, entitled Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description, not dated, indicated it is the CNA's duty and responsibility to report significant changes in the resident's condition to an LVN or RN as soon as practical.
A review of the facility's job description, entitled Charge Nurse Job Description, not dated, indicated it is the RN's duty and responsibility to perform resident assessments and develop, implement and evaluate care plans as necessary per state, federal, and facility policies; notify the physician timely as needed; maintain all documentation as required by federal and state regulations and facility policy; and evaluate quality and quantity of resident care service by nursing assistants.
Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to identify, provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment for a change of condition (COC) for one of two (2) sampled residents (Resident 55 and 237) with hypoxia (not enough oxygen in the tissues to sustain bodily functions) and altered mental status(confusion/disorientation).
These deficient practices resulted in Resident 55 and 237 receiving delayed provision of care and treatment, and transfer to a local acute care hospital.
Findings:
A. During an observation on 12/14/21 at 10:25 a.m., R55 was observed wearing a non- rebreather mask (a special medical device that helps provide oxygen in emergencies) on with the oxygen tank flow meter at 6 liters. Oxygen saturation monitor (machine used to measure oxygen in the blood) was on Resident 55 (R55) finger measuring at 90% (normal levels are greater than 92%) and the monitor was beeping continuously. R55 was observed with his eyes closed, hard to arouse (stay awake) and head of the bed elevated.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 12/14/21 at 10:30 a.m. with LVN 4, LVN 4 confirmed R55 had on a non-rebreather mask, that the bag of the mask was deflated and R55 oxygen saturation was at 90%. LVN 4 stated, The doctor didn't order the non-rebreather mask, when we called 911, the paramedics said to put it on, but I am going to switch him back to nasal cannula (device used to deliver supplemental oxygen). LVN 4 confirmed that the oxygen tank that the non-rebreather mask was attached to, to deliver oxygen to R55 was empty and out of oxygen but didn't know how long the oxygen tank was empty. LVN 4 then brought another oxygen tank in R55 room and placed R55 back on nasal cannula at 5 liters. R55 oxygen saturation was observed at 95%. LVN 4 stated, she was unaware R55 was left by himself and his oxygen saturation was at 90%. LVN stated, my supervisor said someone would stay with him and I didn't know he was left alone, otherwise I would have known the tank was empty.
During a review of Resident 55's Face Sheet, not dated, it indicated that Resident 55 (R55) was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses including: end stage renal disease (kidney failure), Acute respiratory failure (a condition in which your blood doesn't have enough oxygen or has too much carbon dioxide) with hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide in the blood), atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, cardiac arrest (heart suddenly stops beating) and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
During a review of the facility record titled, Respiratory orders December 14, 2021, it indicated that R55 has an order for oxygen at 4 liters continuous by nasal cannula to keep oxygen saturation (amount of oxygen in your body) greater than 90 %.
During a review of the physician order, dated December 14, 2021 at 8:43 a.m., it indicated to transfer R55 via 911 ambulance transport to the General Acute Care Hospital (GACH) due to oxygen desaturation (percentage of oxygen in your blood is lower than it should be) and altered level of consciousness (mental confusion) for further evaluation.
During a review of the SBAR (abbreviation for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation-a communication tool used among healthcare professionals) communication form dated December 14, 2021, it indicated that R55 had a change of condition with signs observed with oxygen desaturation of 87-89 percent. It also indicated that R55 was on oxygen at 2 liters nasal cannula (current physician order for 4 liters nasal cannula).
During a review of the facility care plan short term problems, dated December 14, 2021, it indicated that R55 had problems of, oxygen desaturation and altered level of consciousness, documented by licensed nursing staff.
During a review of the facility nursing notes dated December 14, 2021 at 2:45 p.m., it was documented that R55 eyes were closed and hard to arouse. It was documented that R55 was on O2 at 5 liters nasal cannula. No oxygen saturation result was documented at this time.
During a review of the facility transfer record dated December 14, 2021, it indicated that R55 was transferred to the GACH (General Acute Care Hospital) via 911 ambulance, with a diagnosis of altered level of consciousness and oxygen desaturation.
During a review of the GACH records dated December 14, 2021, it indicated R55 was admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of altered level of consciousness, acute mild distress, oxygen saturation of 87-89 percent while receiving oxygen at 4 liters via nasal cannula, hypoxic encephalopathy (occurs when the brain doesn't get enough oxygen) Acute hypoxic respiratory failure (a condition in which your blood doesn't have enough oxygen or has too much carbon dioxide). It indicated R55 was given the medication Narcan on admission (medication used to the initial reversal of respiratory depression to produce adequate ventilation and alertness). It also indicated R55 was somnolent (sleepy or drowsy) on arrival to the emergency room.
During a review of the GACH document arterial blood gas (test to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood) dated December 14, 2021, it indicated that R55 had a carbon dioxide level of 52.7 (normal levels 35.0-45.0) on admission to the emergency room.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 12/14/21 at 10:51 a.m. with Registered Nurse 2 (RN2), RN 2 stated that R55 is currently on 5 liters of humidified oxygen but the physician order is for 4 Liters.
During an interview on 12/16/21 at 12:35 p.m. with LVN 4, LVN 4 stated that I noticed after breakfast, he wasn't fully alert. LVN 4 stated R55 oxygen saturation was checked, and he had a nasal cannula on 4 liters, that was the order. LVN 4 stated, the facility called 911 and put R55 on non-rebreather mask at 12 liters then R55 oxygen saturation went up to 98%. LVN 4 then stated that she and the RN 2 lowered the liters of oxygen to 6 liters, with the non-rebreather mask on. LVN 4 stated, our protocol when we call 911, is to put the resident on a non-rebreather mask. LVN 4 stated that a non-rebreather mask at 6 liters is effective. LVN 4 stated, I am the charge nurse, I assessed him and it's my responsibility.
During an interview on 12/17/21 at 11:27 a.m. with the Assistant Director of Nurses (ADON), the ADON stated that as a nursing measure in an emergency, the facility staff can put a resident on a non-rebreather mask without a physician order and after that, they need to obtain an order. The ADON stated a non-rebreather mask should be on at least 10-15 liters of oxygen and it should not be at 6 liters of oxygen. The ADON stated that if the non-rebreather mask is on at 6 liters of oxygen, the resident will desaturate (lose more oxygen in the blood).
During an interview on 12/17/21 at 11:34 a.m. with the Clinical Director (CD), it was stated, in an emergency, the facility staff will put on a non-rebreather mask on first at 10-15 liters of oxygen. The CD stated that you cannot have a resident on a non-rebreather mask at six liters because they can become hypoxic.
During an interview on 12/17/21 at 11:48 a.m. with RN 2, it was stated that during morning rounds, it was observed that R55 was fatigued. R55 oxygen saturation was checked, and it was between 87-89%. RN 2 stated, R55 was put on a non-rebreather mask at 12 liters and his oxygen saturation went up to 96-98%. RN 2 stated, she then reduced the oxygen flow rate to 6 liters per minute. RN 2 stated she is not sure if a non-rebreather mask is safe at 6 liters per minute. RN 2 stated if R55 could have hypoxia (deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues) or altered mental status (confusion) if his oxygen levels are low for a long period of time.
During a review of the facility policy titled Oxygen Administration, dated 3/2017, it indicated that it is the policy of the facility to provide guidelines for the administration of oxygen. It indicated that the facility should verify that there is a physician's order for oxygen administration and the non-rebreather mask requires that the resident can breathe unassisted but allows for the delivery of higher concentrations of oxygen.
During a review of the facility policy titled Change of Condition, dated 3/21, it indicated that if there is a significant change in a resident's physical or mental condition, a through assessment of the resident's condition must be done by a licensed nurse. The licensed nurse is to thoroughly assess the change in the resident's condition and notify the resident's attending physician.
During a review of an article in Nursing Times dated October 2007, it indicated that it is important to ensure that a sufficient oxygen flow rate is used with the non-rebreather mask so the reservoir bag does not collapse (deflate) and a flow rate of 12-15 liters per minute is recommended. It also indicated that the non-rebreather oxygen mask enables the delivery of high concentrations of oxygen and is recommended for use I patients who are critically ill.