Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, medical record review, and facility P&P review, the facility failed to ensure the necessary care and services were provided to prevent the development of new pressure ulcers (areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for a long time which reduces blood flow to the area and causes the skin to die and develop a sore) and promote healing of existing pressure ulcer for three of six final sampled residents (Residents 8, 9, and 29) reviewed for pressure ulcers. * The facility failed to ensure the wound treatment was administered as per the physician's order for Resident 8. * The facility failed to conduct the Weekly Skin Evaluations and IDT Skin Review for Resident 9's coccyx to right buttock wound, as per the facility's P&P and care plan. * The facility failed to ensure the LAL mattress setting was appropriate for Resident 29's weight. These failures posed the potential risks for complications and delayed wound healing for Residents 8, 9, and 29. Findings:
Review of the facility's P&P titled Skin and Wound Monitoring and Management revised 4/2025 showed it is the policy of this facility that a resident having pressure injury(s) receives the necessary treatment and services to promote healing, prevent infection, and prevent new, avoidable pressure injuries from developing. For the ongoing skin and wound assessments, a licensed nurse would assess/evaluate a resident's skin at least weekly. Areas of breakdown, excoriation, or discoloration, or other unusual findings (either initially identified at the time of admission or as new findings) must be documented in the nursing notes or on the appropriate weekly assessment form (Skin Pressure Ulcer Weekly, Skin Ulcer Non-Pressure Weekly, or Skin Evaluation-PRN/Weekly). A licensed nurse would assess/evaluate at least weekly each area of alteration/injury, whether present on admission or developed after admission, which exists on the resident. This assessment evaluation should include but not limited to:
1) Measuring the skin injury,
2) Staging the skin injury (when the cause is pressure),
3) Describing the nature of the injury (e.g. pressure, stasis, surgical incision),
4) Describing the location of the skin altercation,
5) Describing the characteristics of the skin alteration,
6) Describing the progress with healing, and any barriers to healing which may exists, and
7) Identifying any possible complications or signs/symptoms consistent with the possibility of infection.
Once an area of an alteration in skin integrity has been identified, assessed, and documented, the nursing staff shall administer the treatment to each affected area as per the physician's order. Treatments per the physician's order should be documented in the resident's clinical record at the time they are administered. Further review of the facility's P&P showed in order to prevent the development of skin breakdown or prevent existing pressure injuries from worsening, the nursing staff shall implement the following approaches as appropriate and consistent with the resident's care plan: use pressure relieving/reducing and redistributing devices (including but not limited to low air loss mattresses, wedges, pillows, etc.). If the clinical assessment/evaluation for the Pressure Ulcer, Non-pressure Ulcer, and PRN/Weekly Skin Assessment/Evaluation indicated a change in condition or decline in the wound, the assessing/evaluating nurse would notify the physician and create a narrative note documenting the notification. Under the section Monitoring showed monitoring would be conducted weekly via the Skin Weekly Committee. The facility would prepare and maintain Skin Committee Review Notes and recommendations in the resident's clinical record.
Review of the manual titled Supra Air Low Air Loss Alternating Pressure Mattress and Pump (undated) under the section Operating Instructions, showed Step 6- to determine the resident's weight and set the control knob to that weight on the control unit.
1. Medial record review for Resident 9 was initiated on 9/23/25. Resident 9 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], and readmitted on [DATE].
Review of Resident 9's H&P examination dated 10/20/25, showed Resident 9 had the capacity to understand and make decisions.
Review of Resident 9's Order Summary Report showed the following physician's orders:
- dated 9/16/25, to re-evaluate the coccyx (a small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column in humans) extending to the right buttock pressure injury every day shift, for one day.
- dated 9/17/25, to re-evaluate the coccyx extending to the right buttock open area, every day shift, for one day.
- dated 9/17/25, for the coccyx extending to the right buttock open area, to cleanse with normal saline, pat dry, apply Calmoseptine cream (topical ointment used to protect and heal skin irritations by creating a moisture barrier and providing a soothing effect), cover with foam dressing every day for 14 days, then re-evaluate.
Review of Resident 9's Progress Note dated 11/19/25, showed a nursing entry on 9/16/25 at 0741 hours. The licensed nurse documented the CNA informed the licensed nurse of Resident 9's open skin to the buttock. The resident was assessed and noted with a small open skin to the coccyx extending to the right buttock, approximately 0.3 mm in size. The resident stated she was getting changed yesterday and the CNA kind of accidentally put pressure while cleaning. The treatment was initiated per the facility protocol and Resident 9's physician was informed of the new change of condition and approved of the wound treatment.
Review of Resident 9's LN- Skin Evaluation-PRN/Weekly dated 9/16/25, showed the licensed nurse's documentation of Resident 9's 0.3 mm by 0.3 mm pressure injury to the coccyx extending the right buttock.
Review of Resident 9's Post-Event IDT Review dated 9/16/25, showed the documentation Resident 9 had a skin alteration on a fragile body area during care. The resident sustained a superficial 0.3 mm size open skin to the coccyx area. The interventions showed caregiver education was provided to ensure post incontinent care, and treatment as ordered.
Review of Resident 9's Plan of Care showed a care plan problem dated 9/16/25, addressing Resident 9's open area sustained during care to the lower back area. The interventions included administering the treatments as ordered, to monitor for effectiveness, and to assess/record/monitor the wound healing; to measure the length, width, and depth where possible, to assess ad document the status of the wound perimeter, wound bed, and healing progress. To report improvements and declines to the physician.
Review of Resident 9's TAR for September 2025 showed the documentation of the treatment order for the coccyx extending to the right buttock open area, to cleanse with normal saline, pat dry, apply Calmoseptine cream, and cover with foam.
Review of Resident 9's TAR for October 2025 failed to show the documented evidence the above dressing every day for 14 days, then re-evaluate, was administered from 9/17 to 9/30/25. wound care was provided to Resident 9 from 10/1 to 10/7/25 (up to the time when Resident 9 was transferred to the acute care hospital).
Further review of Resident 9's medical record failed to show the documentation Resident 9's coccyx extending to the right buttocks wound was monitored and evaluated weekly as per the P&P and care plan, re-evaluated after 14 days of treatment as per the physician's orders, and failed to show the documentation the IDT Skin Review was conducted weekly for Resident 9.
On 11/19/25 at 0936 hours, an interview and concurrent medical record review for Resident 9 was conducted with LVN 2. LVN 2 stated upon notification of a new skin impairment, the licensed nurse or treatment nurse would assess the resident's wound, initiate a change of condition, complete the initial skin assessment, and notify the physician for the treatment orders. When asked about classification of the wound and differentiating between pressure and non-pressure wounds, LVN 2 stated if the wound was over a bony prominence, like the coccyx area, then that wound would be classified as a pressure injury. LVN 2 stated for the pressure and non-pressure wounds, the treatment nurse was responsible for assessing and evaluating the wounds weekly to monitor the wound status, to determine if the treatment was effective, or if the wound was deteriorating or getting better. LVN 2 stated following the weekly skin assessments, IDT Skin Review would be conducted weekly to discuss the residents with skin problems. LVN 2 reviewed Resident 9's medical record and verified the above findings.
On 11/19/25 at 1015 hours, an interview and concurrent medical record review for Resident 9 was conducted with the DON. The DON stated when a new skin impairment was reported, the licensed nurse was responsible for assessing the resident and completing the initial LN- Skin Evaluation- PRN. The DON stated following the assessment, a weekly skin assessment should be conducted to monitor the wound and the effectiveness of the treatment. The DON stated an IDT Skin Review would be conducted weekly to discuss the resident's skin impairment. The DON stated if the location of the wound was over a bony prominence, the wound should be classified as a pressure injury. The DON reviewed Resident 9's medical record and verified the above findings. The DON stated there should have been the weekly skin assessment/evaluation to monitor the status of the wound and if the wound resolved, then there should have been some documentation in the resident's medical record.
2. On 9/23/25 at 1000 hours, during the initial tour of the facility, Resident 29 was observed lying in bed. The Low Air Loss (LAL) mattress device was observed on and the weight setting was set at 125 pounds.
Medical record review for Resident 29 was initiated on 9/23/25. Resident 29 was admitted to the facility on [DATE].
Review of Resident 29's MDS assessment dated [DATE], showed Resident 29 had severely impaired cognition, was at risk for developing pressure ulcers/injuries, and required partial/moderate assistance (where the helper does less than half the effort) for rolling left and right, and substantial/maximal assistance (where the helper does more than half the effort) for sit to lying, and lying to sitting on the side of the bed for bed mobility.
Review of Resident 29's Order Summary Report for September 2025 showed a physician's order dated 9/17/25, for the LAL mattress for skin maintenance and wound care.
Review of Resident 29's Plan of Care showed a care plan problem initiated on 9/3/25, addressing Resident 29's potential for pressure injury development. The interventions included the LAL mattress for wound care and skin maintenance.
Review of Resident 29's Weights and Vitals Summary dated 9/25/25, showed on 9/14/25, Resident 29 weighed 80 pounds; and on 9/21/25, Resident 29 weighed 81 pounds.
On 9/24/25 at 1000, 1055, and 1553 hours, Resident 29 was observed lying on her back on the LAL mattress. The LAL mattress unit was observed turned on and set at 125 pounds. The staff was not observed in Resident 29's room providing care to the resident.
On 9/24/25 at 1603 hours, an interview and concurrent observation and medical record review for Resident 29 was conducted with LVN 2. LVN 2 stated Resident 29 could assist with turning in bed but was at risk for developing pressure injuries. LVN 2 stated Resident 29 had a LAL mattress for pressure relief and the setting should be set based on Resident 29's current weight. LVN 2 stated the LAL mattress settings were checked every morning by the treatment nurses to ensure the settings were correct for each resident. LVN 2 reviewed Resident 29's medical record and stated Resident 29's most recent weight was obtained on 9/21/25, and she weighed 81 pounds. An observation was conducted at Resident 29's bedside and LVN 2 verified the LAL mattress setting was set at 125 pounds. LVN 2 stated the LAL mattress weight setting should be set at Resident 29's current weight.
On 11/19/25 at 1015 hours, an interview was conducted with the DON. The DON stated for the residents on the LAL mattress, the LAL mattress setting should be set based on the resident's current weight or their comfort level. The DON stated if the LAL setting was not set per the resident's weight and there could be the potential risk of the resident developing pressure injuries. The DON stated if the LAL mattress setting was set per the resident's comfort level and not their weight, then there should be a care plan to address the weight setting discrepancy on the LAL mattress unit.
On 11/19/25 at 1430 hours, an interview was conducted with the Administrator, DON, and Nurse Consultant. The Administrator, DON, and Nurse Consultant were informed and acknowledged the above findings.
3. On 9/23/25 at 1120 hours, during the initial tour of the facility, Resident 8 was observed awake and sitting in the wheelchair inside the room. Resident 8 stated she had a wound on her bottom and was being treated by the nurse.
Medical record review for Resident 8 was initiated on 9/30/25. Resident 8 was readmitted to the facility on [DATE].
Review of Resident 8's H&P examination dated 8/14/25, showed Resident 8 had the capacity to understand and make decisions.
Review of Resident 8's Order Summary Report showed a physician's order dated 9/22/25, to cleanse left ischium (a thick, irregularly shaped bone in the pelvis that serves multiple functions. It is also known as a sit bone) pressure injury with NS, pat dry, apply Medihoney (wound treatment that creates a moist healing environment, cleanses wounds, and helps remove dead tissue), apply alginate (used for the management of moderate to heavily exuding wounds to promote healing by maintaining a moist environment) dressing, and cover with dry dressing every day shift for 30 days.
Review of Resident 8's Wound assessment dated [DATE] at 1916 hours, showed a surgical debridement of the left buttock wound was performed by the wound physician. The wound physician documented on the plan interventions for the left buttock pressure injury to treat with collagen powder, Medihoney, and cover with dry dressing. The record showed due to Resident 8's medical comorbities, wound healing prolonged and difficult despite optimal nursing care in place.
On 9/30/25 at 1515 hours, an interview and concurrent medical record review for Resident 8 was conducted with LVN 2. LVN 2 stated the wound consultant/physician came to the facility every Thursday of the week. LVN 2 verified Resident 8 had a pressure injury in the left buttock since 9/20/25. LVN 2 stated the current treatment he was providing Resident 8 was Medihoney with alginate dressing. LVN 2 stated he assisted the wound physician and the physician would tell the treatment nurses the new treatment orders on the same day and it would also be recorded in the physician's wound assessment note. LVN 2 stated the wound physician would tell him about changes to the wound treatment orders. LVN 2 stated the wound physician reclassified the wound in Resident 8's left buttock and there was a new order for Medihoney and collagen powder on 9/25/25. LVN 2 verified he did not update the treatment orders per the wound physician's orders. LVN 2 further stated he was aware of the new treatment orders for Resident 8's left buttock wound since 9/25/25.
On 11/19/25 at 1530 hours, an interview was conducted with the Administrator, DON, and Nursing Consultant. The Administrator, DON, and Nursing Consultant were informed and acknowledged the above findings for Resident 8.