Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, the facility failed to provide services to three of nine residents (Resident 5, 20, and 68) with limited range of motion ([ROM] full movement potential of a joint [where two bones meet]) and mobility (ability to move) by failing to:
1. Provide Resident 5 with passive range of motion ([PROM] movement of joint through the ROM from an external force with no effort from the person) to both arms from 12/1/2024 to 12/19/2024 in accordance with the physician's order and care plan.
2. Provide PROM to Resident 5's ankles on 12/19/2024 in accordance with the physician's order and care plan.
3. Provide PROM to Resident 20's elbows, wrists, hands, knees, and ankles in accordance with the physician's order and care plan.
4. Provide PROM to Resident 20's hands and ankles prior to applying rolled hand towels (rolled towel placed in the palm) and ankle splints (material used to restrict, protect, or immobilize a part of the body to support function, assist and/or increase range of motion).
5. Position Resident 20's right rolled hand towel through the thumb's webspace
6. Ensure Resident 20's rolled hand towels were positioned securely in both hands.
7. Provide PROM to Resident 68's left hand in accordance with the physician's orders and care plan.
These deficient practices have a potential for Resident 5 unable to get the exercises at risk to develop contractures or limitation on both arms.
The deficient practice of not applying the hand towels correctly and not providing appropriate exercises has a potential for Resident 20 decline in ROM.
Findings:
a. During a review of Resident 5's admission Record, the facility admitted Resident 5 on 5/7/2024 with diagnoses including muscle wasting and atrophy (thinning or loss of muscle tissue) and dementia (a progressive state of decline in mental abilities).
During a review of Resident 5's Joint Mobility Assessment ([JMA] brief assessment of a resident's range of motion in both arms and both legs), dated 5/8/2024, the JMA indicated Resident 5 had ROM limitations in both arms and legs, including moderate (50 to 75 percent [%] available ROM) limitations in the left shoulder, moderate/severe (25 to 50% available ROM) limitation in the right shoulder, minimal (75 to 100% available ROM) limitation in both elbows, moderate limitation in both wrists, severe (0-25% available ROM) limitation in both hands, and severe limitation in both knees. The JMA indicated the ROM in Resident 5's hips and ankles were within functional limits ([WFL] sufficient movement without significant limitation).
During a review of Resident 5's Occupational Therapy ([OT] profession aimed to increase or maintain a person's capability of participating in everyday life activities [occupations]) Discharge summary, dated [DATE], the OT Discharge recommendations indicated for Resident 5 to receive a Restorative Nursing Aide ([RNA] certified nursing aide program that helps residents to maintain their function and joint mobility) Program for PROM to both arms, five times per week.
During a review of Resident 5' Physical Therapy ([PT] profession aimed in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal physical function) Discharge summary, dated [DATE], the PT Discharge recommendations indicated for Resident 5 to receive RNA Program for PROM to both legs and application of splints to both knees.
During a review of Resident 5's care plan titled, Rehab to RNA Care Plan, dated 7/11/2024, the care plan indicated a plan to provide PROM to both arms, five times per week, and PROM of both legs followed by application of both knee splints to prevent decline in ROM.
During a review of Resident 5's physician orders, dated 7/11/2024, the physician's orders indicated to provide PROM to both arms to resident's tolerance, five times per week. Another physician's order, dated 7/11/2024 and revised 11/18/2024, indicated to provide Resident 5 with PROM to both legs followed by the application of both knee splints, five times per week.
During a review of Resident 5's Minimum Data Set ([MDS] a resident assessment tool), dated 11/12/2024, the MDS indicated Resident 5 had clear speech, expressed ideas and wants, clearly understood others, and was moderately impaired for cognition (ability to think, understand, learn, and remember). The MDS indicated Resident 5 had ROM limitations in both arms and legs and required substantial/maximal assistance (helper does more than half the effort) for oral hygiene, toileting, bathing, lower body dressing, rolling to both sides in bed, and chair/bed-to-chair transfers.
During a review of Resident 5's RNA treatment record, dated 11/2024, the RNA treatment record included PROM to both arms and legs followed by the application of both knee splints, five times per week.
During a review of Resident 5's RNA treatment record, dated 12/2024, the RNA treatment record included PROM to both legs followed by application of both knee splints, five times per week. The RNA treatment record did not include PROM to both arms.
During an observation on 12/18/2024 at 12:51 p.m. in Resident 5's room, Resident 5 was awake while side lying in bed. The joints of Resident 5's elbows, wrists, hands, hips, and knees were observed in a flexed (bent) position. Both of Resident 5's hands were positioned in closed fists with the left wrist bent sideways, away from Resident 5's body. Resident 5 was observed to partially move both shoulders upward and extended both elbows. Resident 5 was unable to fully extend both elbows which continued to be bent. Resident 5 was observed to attempt to straighten both legs, which resulted slight movement at Resident 5's hip joint.
During an observation on 12/19/2024 at 8:50 a.m. in Resident 5's room, Restorative Nursing Aide 1 (RNA 1) stood on the left side of the bed. RNA 1 performed PROM to both of Resident 5's legs, including hip extension (straightening the leg at the hip joint away from the body) with knee extension, hip flexion (bending the leg at the hip joint toward the body) with knee flexion, and hip abduction (moving the leg at the hip joint away from the body). RNA 1 did not provide PROM to both ankles and both arms.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 8:56 a.m. with RNA 1, RNA 1 stated Resident 5's physician orders for RNA was to provide PROM to both legs. RNA 1 stated Resident 5 received PROM to extend, bend, and abduct both legs. RNA 1 stated both knee splints would be applied after Resident 5 was changed.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 9:32 a.m. with RNA 1, RNA 1 stated she forgot to provide PROM to Resident 5's ankles.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/19/2024 at 11:09 a.m. with the Director of Rehabilitation (DOR), Resident 5's JMA, dated 5/8/2024, OT Discharge summary, dated [DATE], and PT Discharge summary, dated [DATE], and RNA treatment record, dated 11/2024 and 12/2024. The DOR stated Resident 5's JMA indicated Resident 5 had ROM limitations in both shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and knees. The DOR stated Resident 5's OT Discharge recommendations indicated for RNA to provide PROM to both arms. The DOR stated Resident 5's PT Discharge recommendations indicated for RNA to provide PROM to both legs followed by application of both knee splints. The DOR stated PROM exercises (in general) prevented further decline in ROM. The DOR reviewed Resident 5's RNA treatment record for 11/2024 and 12/2024. The DOR stated PROM to both arms was not included in the RNA treatment record for 12/2024 when the facility transitioned to the new electronic documentation system.
During a telephone interview on 12/19/2024 at 11:38 a.m. with Physical Therapist 1 (PT 1), PT 1 stated the RNAs were expected to provide ROM exercises at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, hip, knee, and ankle joints to prevent any decline in ROM.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/19/2024 at 11:47 a.m. with the Director of Medical Record (DMR), Resident 5's physician orders, dated 7/11/2024 to provide PROM to both arms and RNA treatment records, dated 11/2024 and 12/2024, The DMR stated the physician's order to provide Resident 5 with PROM to both arms was not included in the RNA treatment record for 12/2024.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/19/2024 at 11:49 a.m. with the DOR, Resident 5's RNA treatment records, dated 11/2024 and 12/202, the DOR stated the facility did not provide Resident 5 with PROM to both arms for 12/2024.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 11:58 a.m. with the DOR, the DOR stated the residents (in general) had an increased possibility for developing contractures and experiencing a decline in ROM if ROM was not performed to the joints.
During a review of the facility's undated Policy and Procedure (P&P) titled, Prevention of Decline in Range of Motion/Joint Mobility, the P&P indicated the facility shall establish and utilize a systemic approach for prevention of decline in range of motion, including the assessment, appropriate care planning, and preventative care. The P&P further indicated interventions will be documented in a resident's care plan and will monitor for consistent implementation of the care plan interventions.
b. During a review of Resident 20's admission Record, the facility admitted Resident 20 on 9/5/2023 with diagnoses including epilepsy (abnormal electrical activity in the brain marked by sudden, recurrent episodes of loss of consciousness or uncontrolled body shaking), Alzheimer's disease (a disease characterized by a progressive decline in mental abilities), parkinsonism (group of conditions with symptoms including slow movements, stiffness, tremors, and balance issues), and attention to gastrostomy ([G-tube] surgical opening fitted with a device to allow feedings to be administered directly to the stomach for people with swallowing problems).
During a review of Resident 20's Functional Maintenance Program - OT, dated 9/6/2023, the Functional Maintain Program indicated for the RNA to provide PROM to both arms, five days per week as tolerated, and to apply both hand rolls or rolled washcloths for five hours, five days per week as tolerated.
During a review of Resident 20's Functional Maintenance Program - PT, dated 9/6/2023, the Functional Maintenance Program indicated for the RNA to provide gentle PROM to both legs followed by application of both ankle splints for two to four hours or as tolerated.
During a review of Resident 20's physician orders, dated 9/6/2023 and revised 11/18/2024, the physician's orders indicated RNA program to provide exercises (unspecified) to both arms, apply both hand rolls or rolled washcloth for five hours, and provide PROM to both legs followed by application of both ankle splints for two hours, five times per week.
During a review of Resident 20's care plan for limitations in joint mobility, dated 9/2024, the care plan indicated Resident 20 had limitations due to contractures (stiffening/shortening at any joint that reduces the joint's range of motion) in both shoulders, both elbows, both wrists, both hands, and both ankles. The treatment plan included RNA orders to provide Resident 20 with PROM to both arms and legs, five times per week; apply hand rolls or washcloths, five times per week; and apply both ankle splints for two hours, five times per week.
During a review of Resident 20's undated JMA, the JMA indicated Resident 20 had ROM limitations in both arms and legs, including severe (0 to 25% available ROM) limitation in both shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and ankles. The JMA indicated Resident 20 had WFL ROM in both hips and knees. The undated JMA indicated to continue with RNA.
During a review of Resident 20's MDS, dated [DATE], the MDS indicated Resident 20 had moderately impaired cognition and ROM limitations in both arms and legs. The MDS also indicated Resident 20 was dependent for oral hygiene, toileting, bathing, dressing, rolling to both sides in bed, and chair/bed-to-chair transfers.
During an observation on 12/18/2024 at 12:38 p.m. in Resident 20's room, Resident 20 was lying in the bed with visible tremors (small, rapid movements) in both arms and unclear speech. Both of Resident 20's shoulder joints were turned inward toward the body, both elbows were bent (flexed), and both wrists were bent downward. Resident 20's right-hand fingers were observed bent into a closed fist. Resident 20's left-hand large knuckles were bent upward (hyperextension) while the tips of the fingers were bent downward. Resident 20's legs laid flat on the bed's surface.
During an observation on 12/19/2024 at 9:00 a.m. in Resident 20's room, Resident 20's knees were fully extended while both legs rested on the bed. Both of Resident 20's ankles were positioned in plantarflexion (ankle bent away from the body). RNA 1 stood on the left side of the bed to provide PROM to both of Resident 20's legs, including hip flexion with the knee extended and hip abduction with the knee extended. RNA 1 covered Resident 20's legs with a sheet and proceeded to perform PROM to Resident 20's arms. RNA 1 provided Resident 20 with PROM into shoulder flexion (lifting the arm upward at the shoulder joint) and abduction (lifting the arm up and away from the body at the shoulder joint). Resident 20's right-hand fingers were observed bent into a closed fist. RNA 1 placed a rolled hand towel in Resident 20's palm underneath the middle, ring, and small fingers. Resident 20's left-hand large knuckles were bent in hyperextension while the tips of the fingers were bent downward. RNA 1 placed a rolled hand towel in Resident 20's left-hand underneath the tips of the bent fingers. RNA 1 applied both ankle splints. RNA 1 did not perform PROM on both of Resident 20's elbows, wrists, hands, knees, and ankles.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 9:16 a.m. with RNA 1, RNA 1 stated she provided PROM to both hips, shoulders, and elbows (not observed). RNA 1 stated she provided PROM to Resident 20's legs, including leg raises (hip flexion) and abduction. RNA 1 stated PROM was not provided to Resident 20's knees since both knees did not bend. RNA 1 stated Resident 20 also received PROM to both arms, including arm raises (shoulder flexion), abduction, gentle stretches to the elbows, and hand rolls were placed in both hands. RNA 1 was asked to demonstrate the gentle stretches to Resident 20's elbows. RNA 1 extended both of Resident 20's elbows, which continued to have a 90-degree bend when the elbows were extended. RNA 1 stated Resident 20 tolerated wearing both ankle splints for one to two hours. RNA 1 stated both hand towel rolls did not stay in Resident 20's hands for long, including the amount of time indicated in the physician's order (5 hours) due to the positioning of both hands.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 9:32 a.m. with RNA 1, RNA 1 stated PROM to both of Resident 20's ankles, wrists, and hands should have been done but was not done due to RNA 1 feeling nervous. RNA 1 stated she should have performed PROM to both of Resident 20's ankles and hands prior to placing the rolled hand towels in both hands and prior to applying both ankle splints.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 10:39 a.m. with the DOR, the DOR stated ROM exercises should be performed to increase mobility prior to the application of splints.
During a telephone interview on 12/19/2024 at 11:38 a.m. with Physical Therapist 1 (PT 1), PT 1 stated the RNAs were expected to provide ROM exercises at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, hip, knee, and ankle joints to prevent any decline in ROM.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 11:58 a.m. with the DOR, the DOR stated the residents (in general) had an increased possibility for developing contractures and experiencing a decline in ROM if ROM was not performed to the joints during ROM exercises.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/19/2024 at 12:13 p.m. with the DOR, Resident 20's Functional Maintenance Program for OT and PT, dated 9/6/2023, the physician's orders for RNA, dated 9/6/2023, and undated JMA were reviewed. The DOR stated Resident 20 was readmitted to the facility on [DATE] and received a JMA on 9/6/2023, which indicated Resident 20 had severe ROM limitations in both shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and ankles. The DOR stated the JMA indicated Resident 20's hips and knees had WFL ROM. The DOR stated Resident 20's Functional Maintenance Program - PT, dated 9/6/2023, indicated for the RNA to provide PROM to both legs followed by application of both ankle splints. The DOR stated Resident 20's Functional Maintenance Program - OT, dated 9/6/2023, indicated a recommendation for RNA to provide PROM to both arms followed by application of hand rolls or rolled washcloths. The DOR stated the rolled washcloth was a rolled-up face towel placed in the hands and the hand roll had a strap to maintain the roll in the hands. The DOR stated the facility usually used the rolled washcloth, which should be positioned through the thumb webspace and in the palm of the hand to prevent further decline in ROM of the fingers. The DOR stated the rolled washcloth was useless if it was not placed through the thumb webspace. The DOR stated Resident 20 would benefit more from a hand roll with a strap to prevent the roll from falling out of both hands due to the positioning of Resident 20's fingers. The DOR stated the undated JMA was supposed to be for 9/2024, which indicated Resident 20 had severe ROM limitations in both shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and ankles and WFL ROM in both hips and knees.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/20/2024 at 9:25 a.m. with PT 1, PT 1 reviewed Resident 20's undated JMA. PT 1 stated Resident 20's undated JMA was from 9/2024. PT 1 stated the JMA indicated Resident 20 had WFL ROM in both hips and ankles. PT 1 stated WFL in both knees indicated Resident 20 had sufficient movement in both knees into flexion and extension.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 12/20/2024 at 10:09 a.m. with PT 1 in the dining room, Resident 20 was sitting in a Geri chair (reclining chair that allows someone to get out of bed and sit comfortably in different positions while fully supported) but did not want PT 1 to move both legs. PT 1 stated Resident 20 bent both knees during the JMA in 9/2024. PT 1 stated it was not reported to PT 1 that Resident 20 could not bend both knees.
During a review of the facility's undated P&P titled, Prevention of Decline in Range of Motion/Joint Mobility, the P&P indicated the facility shall establish and utilize a systemic approach for prevention of decline in range of motion, including the assessment, appropriate care planning, and preventative care. The P&P further indicated interventions will be documented in a resident's care plan and will monitor for consistent implementation of the care plan interventions. The P&P indicated general guidelines for ROM included moving each joint through its ROM.
c. During a review of Resident 68's admission Record, the facility admitted Resident 68 on 8/2/2024 with diagnoses including hemiplegia (weakness of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body) and hemiparesis (total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body) following a cerebral infarction (brain damage due to a loss of oxygen to the area).
During a review of Resident 68's JMA, dated 8/15/2024, the JMA indicated Resident 68's left shoulder was limited to 90 degrees for shoulder abduction and flexion and the left elbow had ROM limitations between mild and moderate. The JMA indicated Resident 68 had WFL ROM in the right shoulder, right elbow, both wrists, both hands, both hips, both knees, and both ankles.
During a review of Resident 68's Functional Maintenance Program - OT, dated 8/5/2024, the recommendation indicated for the RNA to provide Resident 68 with active range of motion ([AROM] performance of ROM of a joint without any assistance or effort of another person) to the right arm and PROM to the left arm, five times per week as tolerated, to maintain ROM, maintain strength, and to prevent contractures.
During a review of Resident 68's care plan titled, Rehab to RNA Care Plan, dated 8/5/2024, the care plan indicated for Resident 68 to received RNA for AROM to the right arm and PROM to the left arm, five times per week as tolerated, to maintain ROM, maintain strength, and prevent contractures.
During a review of Resident 68's physician orders, dated 8/5/2024, the physician's orders indicated for RNA to provide AROM to the right arm and PROM to the left arm, five times per week as tolerated.
During a review of Resident 68's MDS, dated [DATE], the MDS indicated Resident 68 was moderately impaired for cognition and had impairment in one arm. The MDS also indicated Resident 68 required setup or clean up assistance for eating, supervision (verbal uses and/or touching/steadying assistance) for rolling to both sides, sitting at the edge of the bed to lying down, and lying down to sitting at the edge of the bed, and partial/moderate assistance (helper does less than half the effort) for toileting, bathing, upper body dressing, and chair/bed-to-chair transfers.
During a concurrent observation and interview on 12/18/2024 at 1:13 p.m. in Resident 68's room, Resident 68 was lying in bed and partially awake. Resident 68 stated the left arm and leg were weak and was observed to slowly move the left arm and leg.
During an observation on 12/19/2024 at 9:24 a.m. with RNA 1 in Resident 68's room, Resident 68 transferred from lying down to sitting at the edge of bed without any physical assistance by hooking the right leg underneath the left leg to carry the left leg over the edge of the bed. Resident 68 transferred from the edge of the bed to the manual wheelchair, which was positioned on Resident 68's right side without any physical assistance. Resident 68 performed exercises with RNA 1 while seated in the wheelchair. RNA 1 demonstrated AROM exercises for Resident 68 to perform at the left shoulder and elbow joints. RNA 1 was observed performing PROM on Resident 68's left shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. RNA 1 did not perform PROM to Resident 68's left hand.
During an interview on 12/19/2024 at 9:32 a.m. with RNA 1, RNA 1 stated Resident 68 performed AROM exercises at the left shoulder and elbow joints. RNA 1 stated she performed PROM exercises to Resident 68's right shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. RNA 1 stated she forgot to perform PROM to Resident 68's right hand.
During a concurrent interview and record review on 12/19/2024 at 11:58 a.m. with the DOR, Resident 68's JMA, dated 8/5/2024, and Functional Maintenance Program - OT, dated 8/5/2024, was reviewed. The DOR stated the JMA indicated Resident 68's left shoulder ROM was limited to 90 degrees, the left elbow ROM was between minimal and moderate limitations, and all other joints were WFL. The DOR stated the Functional Maintenance Program - OT indicated recommendations for RNA for PROM to the left arm and AROM to the right arm. The DOR stated PROM to the left arm should include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand joints. The DOR stated the residents (in general) had an increased possibility for developing contractures and experiencing a decline in ROM if ROM was not performed to the joints during ROM exercises.
During a review of the facility's undated P&P titled, Prevention of Decline in Range of Motion/Joint Mobility, the P&P indicated general guidelines for ROM included moving each joint through