Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of three sampled residents (Resident 1) received the care and supervision to prevent falls as evidenced by:
-Failing to correctly assess Resident 1 as indicated on the Fall Risk Assessment and identify Resident 1 was at high risk for falls.
-Failing to care plan for Resident 1's non-compliance with the front wheel walker and the resident's refusal of staff assistance with ambulation.
As a result, on 11/7/2023, Resident 1 fell and sustained a hematoma (an abnormal collection of blood outside of the blood vessel) to the head and a femoral neck fracture (broken upper thigh bone) and an impacted subcapital right femoral neck fracture (break in the upper thigh bone).
Findings:
A review of the admission Record indicated the facility admitted Resident 1 on 6/22/2020 and re-admitted the resident on 11/15/2023 with diagnoses including encephalopathy (brain dysfunction that can appear as confusion, memory loss, personality changes and/or coma in the most severe form), dementia (impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing every day activities), heart failure (when heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs for blood and oxygen), rhabdomyolysis (a condition in which damaged muscle breaks down rapidly), adult failure to thrive (a decline in older adults that manifests as a downward spiral of health and ability), abnormalities of gait (a person's manner of walking) and mobility, and lack of coordination.
A review of the History and Physical (H&P) dated 4/6/2023, indicated Resident 1 did not have the capacity to understand and make decisions due to the reason of Alzheimer's (the most common type of dementia, a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment). The H&P further indicated Resident 1 had a history of Alzheimer's, gait disorder, and poor memory.
A review of the Physician's Order dated 4/28/2023, indicated Resident 1 could ambulate (walk) using a front wheel walker (FWW) ad lib (as desired) around the facility as tolerated.
A review of the Minimum Data Set (MDS, a standardized assessment and care screening tool) dated 10/27/2023, indicated Resident 1 had moderately impaired cognition (decisions poor; cues/supervision required), had impaired vision, and had delusions (misconceptions or beliefs that are firmly held, contrary to reality). The MDS indicated Resident 1 had no impairment to the upper/lower extremities and utilized a walker and required partial/moderate assistance for showering/bathing, and required supervision or touching assistance for personal hygiene, putting on/taking off footwear, lower body dressing, and upper body dressing. The MDS indicated Resident 1 required set up or clean up assistance for toileting, oral hygiene, eating, rolling left and right, sitting to lying, lying to sitting on the side of the bed, toilet transfer, walking 10 feet, walking 50 feet with two turns, and walking 150 feet. The MD further indicated Resident 1 was continent of bowel and bladder.
According to a review the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care Review Form dated 7/27/2023, Resident 1 was provided safety education to continue use of the FWW when ambulating. The Interdisciplinary Plan of Care Review Form indicated Resident 1 was explained the risk of fall/injury if their gait had imbalance and of the non-compliance of using a FWW. The Plan of Care Review form indicated Resident 1 understood the risk and benefits of preventing falls.
A review of the Care Plan initiated on 7/31/2023, indicated Resident 1 was at risk for falls related to the disease processes of lack of coordination, dementia, and abnormalities of gait and mobility. The care plan indicated the goals for Resident 1 to be free of falls, free of minor injury, and to not sustain serious injury through the review date. The care plan interventions indicated to anticipate and meet Resident 1's needs, to be sure the resident's call light was within reach, and to encourage the resident to use it for assistance as needed. The care plan interventions indicated Resident 1 needed prompt response to all requests for assistance, needed to be evaluated for and supplied appropriate adaptive equipment or devices as needed; to re-evaluate as needed for continued appropriateness; and to ensure least restrictive devices.
The care plan interventions indicated Resident 1 needed a safe environment with even floors free from spills and/or clutter, adequate glare-free light, a working and reachable call light, the bed in low position at night, a front wheel walker, a wheelchair or side rails as ordered, had rails on walls, personal items within reach, and bilateral upper side rails.
A review of the Fall Risk assessment dated [DATE], indicated Resident 1 had a fall risk score of 8 (a total score above 10 represents a high risk for falls). The Fall Risk Assessment indicated Resident 1 had intermittent confusion or poor safety awareness, no falls in the past three months, was ambulatory, had adequate vision (with or without glasses), had a balance problem while standing, had a balance problem while walking, required the use of an assistive device, no noted drop of systolic blood pressure (top number) between lying and standing, took 1-2 medications currently and/or within the last seven days, and had no predisposing disease present (from the list of hypotension, vertigo (dizziness), cerebral vascular accident [CVA], Parkinson's disease, loss of limb, seizure, arthritis, osteoporosis, or fractures). The Fall Risk Assessment did not indicate whether Resident 1 was low or moderate risk for falls.
A review of the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care Review Form dated 10/23/2023, indicated Resident 1 was able to walk independently with the FWW ad lib. The Plan of Care Review Form indicated Resident 1 did not have a fall incident for three months and had no behavioral issues. The Plan of Care Review Form indicated Resident 1 had a FWW available at bedside, was stable to ambulate in and out of bed and the rest room, had socks and a FWW within reach, and the assistive device was working properly without issues in maintenance.
A review of the Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27 (no documentation of year), indicated Resident 1 had a fall risk score of 6 (a total score above 10 represents high risk for fall). The Fall Risk Assessment indicated Resident 1 had intermittent confusion or poor safety awareness, no falls in the past three months, was ambulatory, had normal gait and balance, no noted drop of systolic blood pressure between lying and standing, takes 1-2 medications currently and/or within the last seven days, and had no predisposing disease present (from the list of hypotension, vertigo, CVA, Parkinson's disease, loss of limb, seizure, arthritis, osteoporosis, or fractures). The Fall Risk Assessment indicated the vision status portion of the assessment was not completed. The Fall Risk Assessment did not indicate whether Resident 1 was low or moderate risk for falls.
According to a review of the Joint Mobility assessment dated [DATE], there were no problems noted in the summary for Resident 1 and Resident 1 was to continue ad lib ambulation.
A review of the Physician's Order dated 11/7/2023, indicated to send Resident 1 to the General Acute Care Hospital (GACH)'s emergency room (ER) for evaluation of hematoma (an abnormal collection of blood outside of a blood vessel) on the right forehead.
A review of the Progress Note dated 11/7/2023 at 1:31 PM, indicated at 1:20 PM the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) was passing by and noted that Resident 1 was sitting on the floor leaning towards the door with blood on the face and some drops on the floor. The Progress Note indicated the CNA alerted the Licensed Nurse (LN) immediately, an assessment was done and Resident 1 was able to verbalize what happened stating Resident 1 tried to pick up something on the floor. The Progress Note indicated the floor was free from scattered belongings and was dry. Resident 1's bilateral lower extremity and upper extremity range of motion was conducted and indicated there was no limitation, no pain, and no facial grimacing.
The Progress Note indicated Resident 1 was assisted back to bed with a two-person assist, had no complaints of pain or discomfort during the transfer. A body re-assessment was done, and indicated Resident 1 had no pain and no swelling on both hips, knees, or part of the body. The Progress Note indicated Resident 1 was noted with a hematoma on the right side of the forehead, first aid was rendered and an ice pack was applied. Resident 1 was noted with a five-centimeter skin tear which was cleansed with normal saline, applied with steri-strips, and covered with a dry dressing. The Progress Note indicated Resident 1 had an elevated blood pressure of 195/110 (normal blood pressure between 90/60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and 120/80 mmHg), the paramedics and Resident 1's physician were notified. The Progress Note further indicated the paramedics arrived at 1:45 PM and transferred Resident 1 to the GACH.
A review of the Situation Background Assessment and Recommendation (SBAR) Communication Form and Progress Note dated 11/7/2023 at 1:51 PM, indicated Resident 1 had an unwitnessed fall in the room and sustained a large hematoma to the right side of the forehead with bleeding. The SBAR note indicated Resident 1 remained awake and responsive during the transfer to the Emergency Department. The SBAR note indicated Resident 1's blood pressure was 195/110, pulse 88, respirations 22, temperature 97.2, and oxygen saturation 97%.
A review of the Computed Tomography (CT, an imaging exam that takes pictures of the inside of the body) of the brain without contrast (refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into a vein that causes the particular organ under study to be seen more clearly) result dated 11/7/2023 at 3:24 PM, indicated Resident 1 had a right frontal soft tissue hematoma.
A review of the right hip x-ray (an imaging procedure that takes pictures of the inside of the body using radiation) results dated 11/7/2023 at 3:57 PM, indicated Resident 1 had a concern for a fracture of the femoral neck/head junction on the right side (break in the upper thigh bone).
A review of the GACH History and Physical (H&P) dated 11/8/2023 at 10:42 AM, indicated Resident 1 was admitted to the GACH on 11/7/2023. The H&P indicated Resident 1 was brought to the GACH after having had a fall and per nursing home documentation Resident 1 missed the rail and fell with hematoma to the right upper forehead. The H&P indicated Resident 1 was seen and evaluated in the ER by the ER physician and neurosurgery (specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system). The H&P indicated a subsequent brain imaging was done which showed a small contusion (type of hematoma). The H&P indicated Resident 1 had a laceration (deep cute or tear in the skin) on the right upper forehead that was repaired using prolene sutures (sterile sutures).
The H&P indicated a CT of the brain was obtained which showed Resident 1 had a 6 millimeter (mm, a measure of length) right temporal hemorrhage/cortical contusion (brain bruise). The H&P indicated a CT of the hip was also done which showed Resident 1 had an impacted subcapital right femoral neck fracture (break in the upper thigh bone).
A review of the CT of the brain without contrast imaging result dated 11/8/2023 at 2:04 AM, indicated Resident 1 had the second CT due to head trauma with worsening mental status and concern for delayed hemorrhage. The CT indicated Resident 1 had interval development of 6 mm right temporal hemorrhagic cortical contusion.
According to a review of the x-ray of the right femur dated 11/8/2023 at 2:38 AM, redemonstrated Resident 1 had an impacted subcapital femoral neck fracture.
A review of the GACH Orthopedic Surgery (physicians who specialize in surgery of bones and joints) Note dated 11/14/2023 at 2:04 PM, indicated Resident 1 was to be on strict non-weight bearing to the right lower extremity. The note further indicated Resident 1 had non-operative fractures and was to receive Eliquis 2.5 mg by mouth twice daily due to the resident's high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clot formation in a deep vein).
During an observation on 11/20/2023 at 10 AM, Resident 1 was observed with a bump to the right upper side of the forehead and a small laceration above their right eye. Resident 1 was observed with the bed in low position with floor mats to the left and right side of the bed. Resident 1's FWW was observed at bedside. During a concurrent interview, Resident 1 stated he got the bump on the forehead when he Turned the corner a little too fast, and hit his head on the corner. Resident 1 stated he did not remember the date or the time the fall happened. Resident 1 stated he did not call the nurses for help because he did not need help. Resident 1 stated, I don't need to call for help to the bathroom, if I need to go I will go by myself.
On 11/20/2023 at 10:29 AM, during an interview, CNA 1 stated she was walking past Resident 1's room when she saw the resident sitting on the floor by the door with blood. CNA 1 stated there was blood on the floor and on Resident 1's head. CNA 1 stated Resident 1 was confused and was not able to say what happened. CNA 1 stated there was a lot of blood on the floor. CNA 1 stated she called the charge nurse to report what she saw.
During an interview on 11/20/2023 at 10:37 AM, CNA 2 stated she was assigned to take care of Resident 1 the day the resident had the fall. CNA 2 stated she was with another resident when Resident 1 was found and indicated staff had called for her. CNA 2 stated when she went to Resident 1's room, the resident was already on the floor and the charge nurse was with them. CNA 2 stated prior to Resident 1 having the fall, the resident would get up and go to the bathroom by themselves. CNA 2 stated Resident 1 had moments of confusion. CNA 2 stated Resident 1 had a FWW next to him but never used it. CNA 2 stated sometimes Resident 1 would call out for help if he saw someone walking by, but stated the resident was reluctant to have assistance, stating that when staff would offer help the resident would refuse. CNA 2 stated prior to Resident 1 having the fall, the resident did not have a bed alarm or floor mats.
During an interview on 11/20/2023 at 11:40 AM, Resident 2 stated Resident 1 was his roommate. Resident 2 stated prior to Resident 1 having the fall, Resident 1 would walk to the bathroom on his own. Resident 2 stated sometimes Resident 1 would not use the FWW. Resident 2 stated Resident 1 often refused staff help and stated staff would even tell the resident it might be better to use diapers. Resident 2 stated Resident 1 refused staff help a lot.
During an interview on 11/20/2023 at 2:03 PM, Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 1 stated she had been taking care of Resident 1 since the resident had been in the facility in 2022. LVN 1 stated the day Resident 1 fell she saw the resident on the floor with his back against the door. LVN 1 stated she saw a hematoma on the side of Resident 1's head that was slightly bigger than a tennis ball. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 had dementia, was confused, would recognize you but could not remember your name and would start talking about random things. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 would not come out of the room but would go back and forth to the bathroom.
LVN 1 stated Resident 1 did not like to use the FWW and would forget he was a little unsteady. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 would refuse help. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 had a shuffle kind of step. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 had orders that he was free to walk around the facility with the walker. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 was required to use the FWW which he refused to use. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 did not have a bed alarm or floor mats prior to the resident having the fall.
On 11/21/2023 at 9:48 PM, during an interview, the Director of Rehab (DOR) stated Resident 1 had a quarterly check-up for physical therapy (PT) and indicated the resident no longer needed assistance from the Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) and was able to walk ad-lib with a FWW. The DOR stated Resident 1 was stable on his feet, needed some close level assistance but after several months RNA was stable, stronger, and able to walk on his own.
During an interview on 11/21/2023 at 10:04 AM, RNA 1 stated Resident 1 was discharged from RNA services before the resident had the fall. RNA 1 stated Resident 1 was walking by themselves with a FWW. RNA 1 stated prior to the fall, Resident 1 was walking to the bathroom from his bed with the FWW. RNA 1 stated Resident 1 could walk on his own but would tell the resident to always call for help before he got up. RNA 1 stated Resident 1 would always refuse and say, No I can do it. Don't bother me, so staff let him do it but would watch him to make sure the resident got back to bed ok.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on 11/21/2023 at 11:40 AM, Resident 1's Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27 and MDS dated [DATE] was reviewed with Registered Nurse (RN) 1. RN 1 stated he was working as RN supervisor the day Resident 1 fell, and indicated he was called to come and see the resident after he fell. RN 1 stated he saw Resident 1 was bleeding profusely and needed to be sent out. RN 1 stated the fall risk assessment was done incorrectly. RN 1 stated Resident 1's fall risk assessment was not complete and indicated the score should be 13 not 8. RN 1 stated based on the MDS, Resident 1 had intermittent confusion or poor safety awareness, was ambulatory/continent, required the use of an assistive device, had a poor (with or without glasses-unable to read regular print) vision status, takes 1-2 medications and had three or more predisposing disease based on the active diagnoses in the MDS. RN 1 stated Resident 1 was supposed to be a high risk for falls, and would have required a bed alarm, low bed, a room closer to the station, and a more visual eye on the resident. RN 1 stated the day Resident 1 fell the resident did not have floor mats or a bed alarm, and indicated he did not see a FWW at bedside.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on 11/21/2023 at 12 PM, Resident 1's Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27 and MDS dated [DATE] were reviewed with Minimum Data Set Assistant (MDSA). MDSA stated she usually did the fall risk assessments and indicated sometimes the licensed nurses help her to do them as well. MDSA stated the fall risk assessments were done quarterly. MDSA stated Resident 1's Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27 was conducted this year 2023. MDSA stated the Fall Risk Assessment was not done completely. The MDSA stated the vision status portion was not completed, the gait/balance portion was done incorrect and should have indicated Resident 1 required the use of an assistive device. The MDSA stated the predisposing disease response on the fall risk assessment was based on whether Resident 1 had hypotension, vertigo, CVA, Parkinson's Disease, Loss of Limb, seizure, arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures. The MDSA stated when looking at Resident 1's active diagnoses on the MDS, the resident had three or more predisposing diseases that would contribute to the resident's risk of falls.
A review of Resident 1's Care Plan on 11/21/2023 at 12:15 PM, indicated there was no specific care plan for Resident 1's non-compliance of ambulating with a FWW or refusal of staff assistance with ambulation.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on 11/21/2023 at 12:32 PM, Resident 1's Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27, MDS dated [DATE], and care plan were reviewed with LVN 1. LVN 1 stated the fall risk assessment was done incorrectly. LVN 1 stated Resident 1's fall risk assessment was not complete and indicated the score should be 13 not 8. LVN 1 stated based on the MDS, Resident 1 had intermittent confusion or poor safety awareness, was ambulatory/continent, required the use of an assistive device, had a poor (with or without glasses-unable to read regular print) vision status, takes 1-2 medications, and had three or more predisposing diseases based on the active diagnoses in the MDS. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 was a high risk for falls, and needed more interventions such as floor mats, bed alarm, and visual monitoring. LVN 1 stated Resident 1 did not have a specific care plan for the refusal of FWW or refusal of staff assistance to prevent falls. LVN 1 stated the fall risk assessment and care plans were important to prevent falls and to provide appropriate interventions. LVN 1 stated the day Resident 1 fell, the resident did not have floor mats or a bed alarm.
During a concurrent interview and record review, on 11/21/2023 at 1:33 PM, Resident 1's Fall Risk assessment dated 10/27, MDS dated [DATE], and Care Plan were reviewed with the Director of Nursing (DON). The DON stated fall risk assessments were done on admission, quarterly, annually, and with change of condition. The DON stated the purpose of a fall risk assessment was to determine the interventions a resident may need to prevent falls. The DON stated the fall risk assessment dated 10/27 was done incorrectly. The DON stated the vision status portion was not completed, the gait/balance portion was done incorrect and should have indicated Resident 1 required the use of an assistive device. The DON stated the MDSA's predisposing disease response on the fall risk assessment was based on whether Resident 1 had hypotension, vertigo, CVA, Parkinson's Disease, loss of limb, seizure, arthritis, osteoporosis, or fractures.
The DON stated when looking at Resident 1's active diagnoses on the MDS, the resident had three or more predisposing diseases that would contribute to the resident's risk of falls. The DON stated Resident 1 had cognitive impairment, heart failure, anemia, neurological disorders, and balance and gait disorders which according to facility policy were conditions that may contribute to the risk of falls. The DON stated there was no care plan that specifically addressed Resident 1's refusal for staff assistance to the bathroom or refusal of use of FWW to prevent falls. The DON stated the care plan should be specific to the resident and indicated Resident 1 had issues with non-compliance before. The DON stated Resident 1's refusal of staff assistance when ambulating to the bathroom and refusal of the FWW should have been care planned. The DON indicated there was no care planning for non-compliance for Resident 1's refusal of staff assistance with ambulation or the refusal to use the FWW with ambulation. The DON indicated identifying a resident was at high risk for falls and through care planning could have prevented falls.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Care Plans, Comprehensive Person-Centered, reviewed 1/2023, indicated a comprehensive, person-centered care plan that includes measurable objectives and timetables to meet the resident's physical, psychological, and functional needs was developed and implemented for each resident. Assessments of residents were ongoing and care plans were revised as information about the resident and resident's conditions change.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Goals and Objectives, Care Plans, reviewed 1/2023, indicated care plan goals and objectives were defined as the desired outcome for a specific resident problem. Care plan goals and objectives were derived from information contained in the resident's comprehensive assessment and were resident oriented, were behaviorally stated, were measurable, and contain timetables to meet the resident's needs in accordance with the comprehensive assessment.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Fall Risk Assessment, reviewed 1/2023, indicated the nursing staff, in conjunction with the attending physician, consultant pharmacist, therapy staff, and others, will seek to identify and document resident risk factors for falls and establish a resident-centered fall prevention plan based on relevant assessment information. The attending physician and nursing staff will evaluate the resident's vital signs, assess the resident for medical conditions (such as those that cause dizziness or vertigo) or sensory impairments (such as decreased vision and peripheral neuropathy) that may predispose to falls. Assessment data shall be used to identify underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of injury from falls (such as osteoporosis).
The staff with the support of the attending physician, will evaluate functional and psychological factors that may increase fall risk, including ambulation, mobility, gait, balance, excessive motor activity, activities of daily living capabilities, activity intolerance, continence and cognition. The staff and attending physician will collaborate to identify and address modifiable fall risk factors and interventions to try to minimize the consequences of risk factors that were not modifiable.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Falls and Fall Risk, Managing reviewed 1/2023, indicated based on previous evaluations and current data, the staff will identify interventions related to the resident's specific risks and causes to try to prevent the resident from falling and to try to minimize complications from falling. Resident conditions that may contribute to the risk of falls include fever, infection, delirium and other cognitive impairment, pain, lower extremity weakness, poor grip strength, medication side effects, orthostatic hypotension, functional impairments, visual deficits and incontinence. Medical factors that contribute to the risk of falls include arthritis, heart failure, anemia, neurological disorders and balance and gait disorders.