Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that all medications were administered without error of 5% or more. During the medication observation on 11/24/21, the surveyor observed three (3) nurses administer medications to five (5) residents. There were 32 opportunities, and three (3) errors were observed which calculated to a medication administration error rate of 9.38 %. This deficient practice was identified for two (2) of five (5) residents, (Resident #87 and #454), that were administered medications by two (2) of three (3) nurses. The deficient practice was evidenced as follows:
1. On 11/24/21 at 8:57 AM, the surveyor observed the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) preparing to administer medications to Resident #87. The LPN stated that she was going to administer the resident's insulin first and then return to the medication cart and prepare the resident's oral medications. The LPN removed the resident's Lantus (a long-acting insulin-a medication used to treat high blood sugar/diabetes) SoloStar 100 units (U)/milliliter (ML) solution pen-injector (a disposable single-patient-use prefilled insulin pen) from the medication cart and explained that the resident had a physician's order (PO) on the electronic medication administration record (eMAR) for 15 units. The LPN showed the surveyor the resident's Lantus pen-injector and indicated on the pen in the dose window that 15 units had been selected.
On 11/24/21 at 9:02 AM, the surveyor observed the LPN inject the resident's right arm subcutaneously (SC) with the Lantus pen injector.
The surveyor reviewed the medical records for Resident #87.
A review of the resident's admission Record reflected that the resident was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses which included Diabetes (high blood sugar) and cerebral infarction (stroke).
According to the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) (an assessment tool), dated 11/3/21, reflected that the resident had a Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score of 3 out of 15 which indicated that the resident had a moderately impaired cognition.
A review of the resident's Order Summary Report reflected a PO dated 8/27/21 for Lantus SoloStar 100 U/ML solution pen-injector, inject 15 units SC one time a day for Diabetes.
On 11/24/21 at 12:34 PM, the surveyor interviewed the LPN regarding the technique for administering insulin with the pen-injector. The LPN stated that she had put a new needle on the pen-injector and selected the right dose of 15 units and when she had injected the insulin had held the pen-injector button in for more than five (5) seconds. The LPN stated that she thought that was the correct procedure. The surveyor asked the LPN if there was any procedure for priming the insulin pen-injector before administering a dose. The LPN stated that the pen-injectors did not need to be primed. (ERROR#1)
On 11/24/21 at 11:44 AM, the Director of Nursing (DON) provided the surveyor with the insulin pen-injector administration instructions titled Using Insulin Pens and Pen Needles that the facility used to instruct the nurses on the proper technique. The instructions revealed Always prime your insulin pen before each injection. The instructions also included to Dial two units on your pen and then press the button to shoot some insulin into the air to make sure it works. Further review included that If you do not see at least two drops of insulin after repeated priming, do not use the pen.
At that time, the DON also provided the surveyor with a form that the facility educator completed when observing the nurses for medication observations titled Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program. The form included that when a medication observation was being completed the nurse was reviewed for the proper technique when administering injections.
On 11/30/21 at 9:30 AM, the surveyor interviewed the DON who stated that all insulin pen-injectors including Lantus SoloStar were required to be primed before each injection. The DON also stated that she was unsure the reason the insulin pen-injectors required priming but had received a handout of information from the Consultant Pharmacist (CP) regarding the proper technique and thought the reason would be included.
A review of the Insulin Pen Injections handout of information provided by the CP reflected that the steps required to properly administer an insulin pen included Always prime your insulin pen before each injection. The information also revealed to Dial two units on your pen and then press the button to shoot some insulin into the air to make sure it works. In addition, Priming means removing air bubbles from the needle, and ensures that the needle is open and working. The pen must be primed before each injection
On 11/30/21 at 12:26 PM, the survey team met with the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and DON who stated that she had already started in-services regarding the proper technique for insulin pen-injectors with the nurses. The DON also stated that the nurses were observed for medication administration after orientation and usually on a yearly basis. The DON stated that she would have to check for a completed medication observation and in-servicing for the LPN.
On 11/30/21 at 12:37 PM, the survey team met with the CP and the Consultant Pharmacist Director of Operations (DCP). The DCP acknowledged that information was provided to the facility regarding proper insulin pen technique. The DCP and CP also acknowledged that insulin pen-injectors must be primed before each dose and by not priming the insulin pen could cause an inaccurate dose to be administered. The DCP stated that she had provided the facility with the Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form that was used during a medication administration observation. The CP stated that medication observations were performed by her upon request by the facility and there was no specific frequency. The CP stated that the DON or nurse educator would let her know which nurse required a medication pass. The DCP added that the facility educator also performed medication observations with the nurses.
The DON provided the survey team with a Preventing Medication Errors Inservice Record for the LPN dated 2/2/20 indicating that the LPN had completed the in-service.
The DON had not provided a Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form for the LPN.
A review of the manufacturer's specifications for How to use your Lantus SoloStar pen in 6 steps revealed that a safety test was to be performed before each injection. The safety test entailed dialing a test dose of 2 units, pointing the needle up and injecting the dose to see that the insulin came out of the needle and that would help ensure the most accurate dose.
2. On 11/24/21 at 9:15 AM, the surveyor observed the LPN preparing to administer eight (8) oral medications to Resident #87 which included one tablet of Senna (Sennosides 8.6 milligram (MG)) (a laxative medication used to relieve constipation). The LPN stated that Senna was an over the counter (OTC) medication and was obtained by the facility as a house stock product and was stored in the original container in the medication cart. The LPN also stated that according to the eMAR for Resident #87, Senna was the OTC medication ordered by the physician. The LPN poured one (1) brown colored tablet into a medication cup from the bottle labeled Senna.
On 11/24/21 at 9:31 AM, the surveyor observed the LPN administer the eight (8) oral medications which included the one (1) tablet of Senna to Resident #87.
Upon returning to the medication cart, the surveyor reviewed the eMAR with the LPN. The eMAR revealed a PO dated 2/9/21 for Senna-Docusate Sodium tablet 8.6-50 MG (Sennosides-Docusate Sodium) (a combination laxative and stool softener medication used to relieve constipation). The LPN stated that she thought that Senna was the correct medication. The surveyor, with the LPN, reviewed the OTC medications in the medication cart which revealed a bottle labeled Senna Plus with the ingredients listed as Sennosides 8.6 MG and Docusate Sodium 50 MG. The LPN stated that she thought the Senna Plus was a more concentrated product and did not think that Senna Plus should have been administered for the PO. The LPN was unable to speak to the ingredients of Senna Plus matching the PO. (ERROR#2)
On 11/24/21 at 10:23 AM, the surveyor with the Unit Manager/LPN (UM/LPN) reviewed the facility OTC house stock medications which included Senna (Sennosides 8.6 MG) tablets and Senna Plus (Sennosides 8.6 MG-Docusate Sodium 50 MG) tablets. The UM/LPN stated that the two (2) medications were not the same and the Senna Plus was a combination product that contained both Senna and Docusate Sodium. The UM/LPN added that the PO would specify Senna 8.6 MG or Senna-Docusate Sodium 8.6-50 MG for Senna Plus.
On 11/24/21 at 10:27 AM, the surveyor, with the UM/LPN, reviewed the PO for Resident #87. The UM/LPN stated that Senna Plus should have been administered for the PO for Senna-Docusate Sodium tablet 8.6 -50 MG, (Sennosides-Docusate Sodium).
The surveyor reviewed the medical record for Resident #87.
A review of the resident's admission Record reflected that the resident was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses which included Diabetes (high blood sugar) and cerebral infarction (stroke).
According to the quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) (an assessment tool) dated 11/3/21 reflected that the resident had a Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score of 3 out of 15 which indicated that the resident had a moderately impaired cognition.
A review of the resident's Order Summary Report reflected a PO dated 8/27/21 for Senna-Docusate Sodium tablet 8.6 -50 MG, (Sennosides-Docusate Sodium), give one tablet by mouth two times a day for constipation.
On 11/30/21 at 12:26 PM, the survey team met with the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and DON who stated that the nurses were observed for medication administration after orientation and usually on a yearly basis. The DON stated that she would have to check for a completed medication observation and in-servicing for the LPN.
On 11/30/21 at 12:37 PM, the survey team met with the CP and the Consultant Pharmacist Director of Operations (DCP). The DCP stated that the facility decided which OTC products the facility purchased, and that the CP was not involved in the decision. The CP and DCP acknowledged that the nurses were to administer the correct OTC medication which correlated with the PO. The DCP stated that she had provided the facility with the Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form that was completed during a medication observation. The CP stated that medication observations were performed by her upon request by the facility and there was no specific frequency. The CP stated that the DON or nurse educator would let her know which nurse required a medication pass. The DCP added that the facility educator also performed medication observations with the nurses.
The DON provided the survey team with a Preventing Medication Errors Inservice Record for the LPN dated 2/2/20 indicating that the LPN had completed the in-service.
The DON had not provided a Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form for the LPN.
A review of the facility policy, provided by the DON, dated as edited 5/21/19, reflected that medications were administered in accordance with prescriber orders. In addition, the policy reflected that the nurse administering the medications was to check the label three times to verify the right medication.
3. On 11/24/21 at 9:49 AM, the surveyor observed the Registered Nurse (RN) preparing to administer six (6) medications to Resident #454.
On 11/24/21 at 10:03 AM, the surveyor observed the RN return to the medication cart after administering the six (6) medications and reviewed the resident's eMAR and explained that she had to administer two (2) additional medications which included Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) (a vitamin supplement). The RN stated that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) was an OTC medication and was obtained by the facility as a house stock product and was stored in the original container in the medication cart. The RN prepared one (1) 250 MG tablet of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).
At that time, the surveyor, with the RN, reviewed the eMAR for the PO for Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). The RN stated that she had the correct OTC medication.
On 11/24/21 at 10:07 AM, the surveyor observed the RN administer one (1) 250 MG tablet of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) to Resident #454.
Upon returning to the medication cart, the surveyor asked the RN to further review the eMAR which revealed that the PO dated 9/13/21 was for Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 500 MG, give one tablet by mouth two times a day for supplement. The RN stated that she thought she had administered the correct dose but had administered Vitamin C 250 MG one tablet. (ERROR #3) The RN added that she should have administered two (2) tablets of the 250 MG to make the dose of 500 MG. The RN was unsure if the facility had the 500 MG tablets of Vitamin C and was unable to find a bottle of the Vitamin C 500 MG tablets on her medication cart.
On 11/24/21 at 10:12 AM, the RN#2 stated that she was the nurse in charge at the desk of the North Unit for the day and thought the facility had Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 500 MG tablets as an OTC house stock medication. The UM/RN further stated that the PO should be followed as ordered. The RN#2 explained that if the PO indicated to administer 500 MG then a 500 MG tablet should be administered. The RN#2 added that if the facility had Vitamin C 250 MG then the PO would indicate to administer two (2) 250 MG tablets to make the dose of 500 MG.
On 11/24/21 at 10/16/21, the surveyor interviewed LPN#2, who stated that she had Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 500 MG tablets on her medication cart. The LPN#2 also stated that she followed the PO as to whether she administered the 250 MG tablets or the 500 MG tablets.
The surveyor reviewed the medical record for Resident #454.
A review of the resident's admission Record reflected that the resident was admitted on [DATE] with diagnoses which included Diabetes (high blood sugar) and pressure ulcer of the left buttock.
According to the admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) (an assessment tool), dated 9/19/21, reflected that the resident had a Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15 out of 15 which indicated an intact cognition.
A review of the resident's Order Summary Report reflected a PO dated 9/13/21 for Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 500 MG, give one tablet by mouth two times a day for supplement.
A review of the list of house stock medications provided by the DON reflected that Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 250 MG and 500 MG tablets were ordered by the facility.
On 11/30/21 at 12:26 PM, the survey team met with the Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and DON who stated that the nurses were observed for medication administration after orientation and usually on a yearly basis.
On 11/30/21 at 12:37 PM, the survey team met with the CP and the Consultant Pharmacist Director of Operations (DCP). The DCP stated that the facility decided which OTC products the facility purchased, and that the CP was not involved in the decision. The CP and DCP acknowledged that the nurses were to administer the correct dosage of the OTC medication which correlated with the PO. The DCP stated that she had provided the facility with the Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form that was completed during a medication observation. The CP stated that medication observations were performed by her upon request by the facility and there was no specific frequency. The CP stated that the DON or nurse educator would let her know which nurse required a medication pass. The DCP added that the facility educator also performed medication observations with the nurses.
The DON provided a completed Medication Administration Observation Quality Improvement Program form dated 11/22/21 by the nurse educator indicating the RN had no errors.
A review of the facility policy dated as edited 5/21/19 reflected that medications were administered in accordance with prescriber orders. In addition, the policy reflected that the nurse administering the medications was to check the label three times to verify the right dosage.
NJAC 8:39-11.2(b), 29.2(d)