Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure that seight residents (Resident #4, Resident #32, Resident #23, Resident #26, Resident #22, Resident #28, Resident #18, and Resident #38) of twenty-four residents reviewed for professional standards, received care in accordance with professional standards of practice and the comprehensive person-centered care plan.
1.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for monthly weight was followed for Resident #4.
2.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for weekly weights was followed for Resident #32.
3.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for monthly weight was followed for Resident #23.
4.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for monthly weight was followed for Resident #26.
5.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for monthly weight was followed for Resident #22.
6.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for weekly weight was followed for Resident #28.
7.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for weekly weight was followed for Resident #18.
8.) The facility did not ensure that the Physician Order for weekly weight was followed for Resident #39.
These failures could affect residents who required regular weight monitoring and could result in severe weight loss or weight gain and place them at risk for not receiving the appropriate care and interventions resulting in a decreased quality of life.
The findings included:
1.) Resident #4
Record review of Resident #4's face sheet dated 7/1/24 reflected a [AGE] year-old-male with an original admission date of 1/2/24. Diagnoses included dementia (general decline in cognitive abilities that affect the person's ability to perform everyday activities), cerebral infarction (when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced), contracture (shortening or hardening of muscles tendons or other tissues often reach deformity and rigidity of joints) to the left hand, type two diabetes (insufficient insulin production in the body), muscle wasting and atrophy (waste away).
Record review of Resident #4's physician's orders dated 5/6/24 stated:
Monthly weights.
Record review of Resident #4's weight summary reflected weights of 199.4lbs on 5/4/24, and a weight of 196.1lbs on 7/2/24. A -1.65% weight loss. No weight was documented for the month of June 2024.
Record review of #4's care plan with an initial date of 1/11/24 and a revision date of 5/29/24 stated:
Resident #4 had a nutritional problem or potential nutritional problem: mechanically altered diet.
Interventions/Tasks included: Monthly weights.
Resident #4 was non-intervewable.
2.) Resident #32
Record review of Resident #32's face sheet dated 7/1/24 reflected a [AGE] year-old-male with an original admission date of 9/25/23. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy (group of conditions that affect movement and posture), scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine), hypoglycemia (blood sugar/glucose level in the body is lower than the standard range), and muscle wasting.
Record review of Resident #32's physician orders dated 5/8/24 stated:
Weekly weights.
Record review of Resident #32's weight summary reflected a weight of 120.2 lbs on 5/30/24, and a weight of 123.0 lbs on 7/2/24. A 2.33% weight gain. No weight was documented for the month of June 2024.
Record review of Resident #32's care plan with an original date of 10/04/23 stated:
Resident #32 had a nutritional problem related to BMI below normal and history of intravenous hydration needs, presence of a feeding tube related to impaired swallowing.
Interventions/Tasks included: Weekly weights.
Resdient #32 was non-interviewable.
3.) Resident #23
Record review of Resident #23's face sheet dated 07/02/2024 reflected an [AGE] year-old female with an admission date of 08/31/2023. Pertinent diagnoses included Alzheimer's Disease (progressive brain disease that causes a mental decline affecting the quality of daily living) and Heart Failure (disease in which the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the body's needs).
Record Review of Resident #23's physician's orders dated 05/05/2024 stated: Monthly Weights
Record review of Resident #23's weight summary reflected weights of 147.4lbs on 04/10/2024, 155.4lbs on 05/05/2024, and 141.0lbs on 07/03/2024 resulting in an overall -4.34% weight loss. No weight was documented in June 2024.
Record review of Resident #23's care plan dated 05/13/2024 stated the resident was At risk for weight fluctuation related to current health status. Interventions included Monthly Weights.
4.) Resident #26
Record Review of Resident #26's face sheet dated 07/01/2024 reflected an [AGE] year-old male with an admission date of 11/30/2023. Pertinent diagnoses included Generalized Muscle Weakness, Nausea with Vomiting, and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart that can last up to a week but usually ends within 24 hours).
Record review of Resident #26's physician orders dated 05/06/2024 stated Monthly Weights
Record review of Resident #26's weight summary reflected weights of 103.6lbs on 04/10/2024, 108.4lbs on 05/05/2024, and 110.6lbs on 07/02/2024 resulting in an overall 6.76% weight gain. No weight was documented in June 2024.
Record review of Resident #26's care plan dated 05/24/2024 stated the resident was at risk for weight fluctuation related to current health status. Interventions included Monthly Weights.
5.) Record review of Resident #22's face sheet dated 05/22/23 reflected an [AGE] year-old female with an original admission date of 03/07/23. Pertinent diagnoses included dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and limited range of motion.
Record review of Resident #22's physician orders dated 05/08/2024 stated Monthly Weights.
Record review of Resident #22's weight summary reflected weights of 160.0 lbs. on 04/09/2024, 162.4 lbs. on 05/05/2024, and 160.6 lbs. on 07/02/2024 resulting in an overall 1.8 % weight gain. No weight was documented in June 2024.
Record review of Resident #22's care plan dated 06/06/2024 on page 4 reflected Resident #22 had a potential fluid deficit r/t impaired mobility/vision/communication, history of urinary tract infections with an initiation date of 06/06/23 and a revision date of 06/06/24. Interventions included observe and report as needed . recent/sudden weight loss .with an initiation date of 06/06/23. Page 7 reflected Resident #22 was at risk for weight fluctuation r/t current health status with an initiation date of 03/16/23. The goal indicated Resident #22 wished to maintain current weight through next review.
6.) Record review of Resident #28's face sheet dated 11/21/23 reflected a [AGE] year-old male with an original admission date of 07/06/21. Pertinent diagnoses included tracheostomy (a surgical hole through the neck into the trachea (windpipe) for breathing), throat cancer, protein-calorie malnutrition, a feeding tube, depression, anxiety, and diabetes.
Record review of Resident #28's physician orders dated 05/08/2024 stated Weekly Weights.
Record review of Resident #28's weight summary reflected weights of 139.0 lbs. on 04/09/2024, 140.0 lbs. on 05/05/2024, and 136.5 lbs. on 07/02/2024 resulting in an overall 1.5 % weight gain. No weight was documented in June 2024. A weekly weight was not done on May 14, 2024.
Record review of Resident #28's care plan dated 06/06/2024 on page 9 reflected Resident #28 required tube feeding with an initiation date of 08/01/22 and a revision date of 01/11/23. Interventions included weekly weights with an initiation date of 08/28/23. Page 12 reflected Resident #28 was at risk for weight fluctuation r/t current health status with an initiation date of 07/06/21. The goal indicated Resident #28 wished to maintain current weight through next review with an initiation date of 08/02/21 and a revision date of 03/28/24.
7.) Resident #18
Record review of Resident #18's face sheet dated 07/01/24 indicated a [AGE] year old male admitted [DATE]. Pertinent diagnoses included dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition (inadequate intake of food as a source of protein, calories, and other essential nutrients), hypothyroidism (the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone), and schizophrenia (a disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly).
Record review of Resident #18's Physician Order Summary dated 07/01/24 revealed an order that read, Monthly Weights that was dated 05/08/24 with order status, Active.
Record review of Resident #18's Weight Summary dated 07/01/24 revealed on 03/06/24 weight was 111.2lbs, on 04/09/24 weight was 104.8lbs, on 05/04/24 weight was 106.4lbs and on 07/02/24 weight was 111.1lbs which resulted in an overall even weight. There was no weight documented for the month of June 2024.
Record review of Resident #18's Care Plan revealed FOCUS: At risk for weight fluctuation r/t current health status initiated 01/25/24, GOAL: Resident (#18) wishes to maintain current weight through next review initiated 01/25/24, and INTERVENTIONS/TASKS: Assistance with meals as needed and Diet order regular/puree/nectar (regular diet, pureed, with nectar thick fluids), double portions all meals, meals served in bowls initiated 01/25/24 and revised 06/06/24. There was no intervention or task for weight monitoring.
8.) Resident #39
Record review of Resident #39's face sheet dated 07/01/24 indicated a [AGE] year-old male originally admitted [DATE] and re-admitted [DATE]. Pertinent diagnoses included apraxia (neurological disorder that causes difficulty with speech), dysphagia following cerebrovascular accident (difficulty swallowing after damage to the brain from an interruption of its blood supply), nausea with vomiting, and hemiplegia/ hemiparesis (one side of the body is weak/ paralyzed) following a non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain not caused by an external force).
Record review of Resident #39's Order Summary Report on 07/01/24 revealed an order that read, Monthly weights that was dated 05/06/24 with order status, Active.
Record review of Resident #39's Weight Summary on 07/03/24 revealed on 04/09/24 weight was 177.8lbs, on 05/04/24 weight was 176.8lbs, and on 07/03/24 weight was 159.8lbs, which resulted in an overall -10.12% weight loss over 3 months. There was no weight documented for the month of June 2024.
Record review of Resident #39's care plan revealed FOCUS: At risk for weight fluctuation r/t current health status initiated 05/17/22, GOAL: Resident (#39) wishes to maintain current weight through next review initiated 05/17/24, revision on 03/01/24, target date 06/19/24, and INTERVENTIONS/TASKS: Assistance with meals as needed. Date Initiated: 05/17/2022, Diet order: CCHO (Controlled carbohydrate) diet, regular texture, thin liquids, picante sauce with meals, divided plate, Double Portions per family request- Discontinued due to excessive weight gain, Date Initiated: 05/17/2022, Revision on: 10/03/2023, Educate resident and family regarding potential weight fluctuation, Date Initiated: 05/17/2022Monthly weights Date Initiated: 05/06/2024.
Record review of Resident #39's Quarterly Nutrition Data Collection signed on 05/23/24, the RD stated in the summary, Resident's weight is stable x180 days with no significant changes this review. Resident receives a therapeutic diet due to Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (a form of diabetes where the pancreas does not make enough insulin and the body has trouble controlling blood sugar) diagnoses. Glucose checks do not appear to be well-controlled, usually ranging between 200-400. Noted started on new diabetes medication Mounjaro. Therapeutic diet remains appropriate as a support for management of glucose levels. Resident consumes 50-100% of meals per documentation. Skin is free of pressure injuries. Intake appears adequate to meet nutritional needs. Recommend continue current nutritional Plan of Care. The RD also documented in the space for Comments on any updates to focus, goals, and/or interventions: Goals: (1) Maintain current weight with no significant change >5%/30 days (2) Maintain skin free of pressure injuries (3) Maintain positive hydration status with no s/s of dehydration.
In an interview on 07/02/24 at 01:36pm the DON stated the facility's electronic patient chart was the only place weights should be recorded. The DON stated usually CNA A was in charge of weighing and recording resident weights. The DON stated CNA A got behind on weighing residents for the month of June 2024. The DON stated while CNA A was the main person who was in charge of weighing residents, any direct care and administrative nursing staff could weigh residents as well. The DON stated she and the Unit Manager were the ones to make sure resident weights were done as ordered. The DON stated it was unacceptable resident weights were not done as ordered. The DON stated there was no systematic approach to monitoring when and if resident weights were being done on a timely schedule other than verbal communication. The DON stated they became aware of the issues a couple days ago. The DON stated by not weighing residents as ordered, staff would not be aware of any significant issues with weight loss and residents could become ill.
In an interview on 07/02/24 at 01:43pm the Unit Manager stated usually weekly weights were done on Sundays and monthly weights were done by the 10th of every month. The Unit Manager stated the DON and himself were in charge of overseeing that weights were done and entered in a timely manner, and they failed to do so. The Unit manager stated it was brought to their attention last Thursday during a QAPI meeting but did not remember who mentioned the issue or what the outcome was. The Unit manager stated by not weighing residents, staff would not be aware of any significant issues with weight loss and residents could become ill due to a significant weight loss.
In an interview on 07/02/24 at 01:54 pm CNA A stated she was the main person that took and documented resident's weights but that anyone could take resident weights. CNA A stated she verbalized throughout the month of June 2024 to the Unit manager that she had fallen behind on taking resident weights and stated, everyone who was on shift was trying to help but they just did not get it done. CNA A stated she had no other explanation for why staff did not get resident weights done. CNA A stated that some weights were done but was unable to provide documentation of the resident weights that were taken for the month of June 2024. CNA A stated after resident weights were done, the RD usually went over the resident weights and if the RD had questions or concerns, the RD would follow up and ask questions regarding resident weights. CNA A stated the RD did not go to her about missing resident weights but that was usually discussed in the IDT meetings that were held once a week with administrative personnel. CNA A stated during the month of June, no administrative staff came to her with concerns about the missing resident's weights.
In an interview on 07/02/24 at 02:06pm the ADM stated monthly weights were usually done by the 10th of every month. The ADM stated when she found out about resident weights not getting done for the month of June 2024, it was discussed in a QAPI meeting and the weight policy was reviewed with the IDT team. The ADM stated it was decided in the QAPI meeting that the resident weights would resume in July 2024. The ADM stated the medical director was part of the QAPI team and agreed to start resident weights in July 2024. The ADM stated the medical director did not express any concerns for any residents who resided in the facility. The ADM stated adverse effects of weight loss could happen such as loss of muscle mass, overall decline in resident health, and possible skin breakdown.
In an interview on 07/02/24 at 02:14pm the RD stated she was usually at the facility once a week to see new and readmissions residents as well as conduct a full comprehensive assessment, resident BMI's, ideal body weight ranges, diet, diagnoses, and assess resident skin integrity. The RD stated she noticed the resident weights were not done for June 2024 and told the ADM approximately last week. The RD stated around the 10th of June 2024 she started to get concerned the resident weights were not done. The RD stated she usually ran the monthly weight report around the 10th of every month and completed a weight variance report on the residents that was automatically sent as a report to the facility administration. The RD stated she worked from home and was only in the facility once for the month of June 2024. The RD stated an email was sent on 6/20/24 to DON and the Unit Manager concerning the missing resident weights for the month of June. The RD stated she did not see a response from administration about her summary visit but usually did not get a response about her reports. The RD stated she expected to get a response from the facility since June 2024 resident weights were not entered but did not receive one. The RD stated severe weight loss could result in loss of muscle mass and overall decline in health, and skin breakdown.
In an interview on 07/03/24 at 01:36 PM the RD stated weight range for Resident #39 was between 144-176 pounds. The RD stated Resident #39 is in his ideal weight class and she did not feel the weight loss had adversely affected the resident because he was in his ideal weight range. RD stated sugars have been more controlled and BMI is 24.2, which is considered normal for his age. RD stated resident was assessed 07/03/24 and was communicating at his baseline and did not display any signs or symptoms of a person who was experiencing severe weight loss.
In an interview on 07/03/24 at 01:56 PM, the ADM stated that resident had uncontrolled blood sugars and was put on Mounjaro to control his blood sugars and that he had been refusing medications. The ADM stated a weight below 144 was when adverse effects of weight loss could happen like loss of muscle mass, overall decline in health, and skin breakdown. The ADM stated she felt the weight loss had not affected the resident but felt like the medication Mounjaro had been affecting his weight. ADM stated resident had been feeling nauseous and had been vomiting and was prescribed Zofran which he had been taking daily since 6/24/24. The ADM stated when she found out about weights not getting done, it was QAPI'd and policy was reviewed. The ADM stated it was decided that the weights would resume in July. The ADM stated the medical director was part of the QAPI team and was there when the missed weights were discussed, and he agreed to start the weights in July. The ADM stated the MD did not express any concern for any residents at that time.
In a phone interview on 07/03/24 at 02:42 PM Resident #39's doctor stated that resident is being seen by the nurse practitioner and that the doctor had not seen him yet. The doctor stated that severe weight loss means, in general, a weight loss of 100lbs in 6 months. The doctor stated he was not aware of the weights not being done in June until someone in the facility told him. The doctor stated the facility definitely should have contacted someone about Resident #39's weight loss. The doctor stated severe weight loss, could shorten a resident's life span and cause malnutrition, skin issues, wounds, and so on. The doctor stated he would expect the facility to care plan things like weight monitoring and management.
In a phone interview on 07/03/24 at 04:53 PM with the NP, she stated that Resident #39's weight loss was not unexpected because he was on Mounjaro and his double portions had been stopped. The NP stated that his blood sugars were doing better and his A1C (Hemoglobin AIC- test that measures the average amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells over the past three months) was lower. The NP stated Resident #39's labs were looking better also. The NP stated she did not believe that there were any adverse effects from his weight loss since he is still within his ideal body weight. She stated that if a resident had a large, unexpected weight loss, she would expect to be notified about it. She stated she was not aware of the weights not being done in June. She stated that a large, unexpected weight loss could lead to malnutrition, skin breakdown, delayed wound healing, possible hospitalization. The NP stated If residents were not weighed as ordered, it would not be possible to track if they were gaining or losing weight and the resident could have an unexpected significant or severe weight loss.
Record review of the facility's Weights and Heights Policy dated 8/23/23 stated:
Policy
All residents are weighed within 24 hours of admission and weekly for 4 weeks and as needed thereafter or more as determined by the RAR committee and/or physician order. Height is measured on admission and annually.
Documentation
Documentation associated with weight measurement includes:
Patient's weight in kilograms
Date and time of measurement