Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to provide immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, an emergency lifesaving procedure, consisting of a combination of chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth, or mechanical breathing [a device used to help someone breathe], performed when the heart stops beating or beats ineffectively and/or to restore breathing), and call 911 (emergency services and/or emergency transfer to the general acute care hospital) for one (1) of three (3) sampled residents (Resident 34), who had a full code status (when resident's heart stopped beating and/or the resident stopped breathing, the resident or his/her representative wished for all lifesaving procedures to be provided to keep the resident alive) by failing to:
1. Ensure Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 1 started CPR on [DATE] at around 11 AM when LVN 1 found Resident 34 unresponsive, in accordance with the facility's policies titled, Physician Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST, a written medical order that indicated a patient/resident lifesaving treatment wishes), Medical Emergencies- Code Blue (an announcement used to indicate a patient/resident requiring resuscitation or otherwise in need of immediate medical attention, most often as the result of a cardiac arrest [the heart stopped beathing/pumping blood) or respiratory arrest [the lungs stopped working/breathing]), and Emergency Care - General.
2. Ensure Registered Nurse (RN) 1 started CPR immediately, provided full CPR with rescue breathing (inhaling into the patient's/resident's airway and lungs using mouth-to-mouth breathing or mechanical breathing), and sent LVN 1 to call 911 after RN 1 entered Resident 34's room on [DATE] at 11:02 AM, and found Resident 34 unresponsive, in accordance with the facility's policies titled, Physician Orders For Life Sustaining Treatment, Medical Emergencies- Code Blue, and Emergency Care - General.
As a result, on [DATE], Resident 1 did not receive immediate and full CPR with rescue breathing as indicated in Resident 34's POLST that Resident 34 wished to be resuscitated (to revive [restore to life] from apparent death or from unconsciousness or provided with CPR, to prolong life by all medically effective means). RN 1 pronounced Resident 34 expired on [DATE] at 11:02 AM and informed Resident 34's Attending Physician (Physician 1) on [DATE] at 11:06 AM that Resident 34 had expired.
On [DATE] at 8:47 PM, while onsite at the facility, an Immediate Jeopardy (IJ, a situation in which the facility's noncompliance with one or more requirements of participation have caused, or is likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to a resident) was identified. The surveyor notified the Administrator (ADM) and the Director of Nursing (DON), regarding the facility's failure to provide basic life support (BLS, the type of care that first-responders, healthcare providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress or an obstructed airway), including immediate, full CPR with rescue breathing, and call 911 for Resident 34, who had a full code status on [DATE] at 11:02 AM, and the risk for 20 other residents who were residing in the facility with full code status not receiving immediate and full CPR when those residents' hearts stopped beating and or when they stopped breathing. The IJ was called in the presence of the facility's ADM and DON.
On [DATE], at 11:45 AM, the facility submitted an acceptable IJ Removal Plan ([Plan of Action] a list of steps taken to correct the deficient practices). The IJ was removed on [DATE] at 5:12 PM, in the presence of the facility's ADM and DON, while onsite at the facility, after the surveyor verified and confirmed the facility's approved IJ Removal Plan (a detailed plan to address the IJ findings) was fully implemented through observations, interviews, and record reviews, in a manner that eliminated the likelihood of serious injury, serious harm, serious impairment, or death with 20 other residents residing in the facility with full code status.
The acceptable IJ Removal Plan, dated [DATE] included the following:
a. On [DATE], the Director of Staff Developer (DSD) created the BLS (Basic Life Support) Skills Competency Checklist about Code Blue situation. The DSD would provide the in-service about the BLS and Cod Blue situation to LVN 1 by [DATE] after LVN 1 returned from vacation.
b. On [DATE], the DON initiated the in-service education for all Licensed Nurses (LVNs and RNs) from three shifts (morning [7 AM to 3 PM,] evening [3 PM to 11 PM,] and night shifts [11 PM to 7 AM,] on Emergency Care Policy, CPR and calling 911.
c. On [DATE], the DSD and the DON initiated the BLS Skills Competency checklist for 15 Licensed Nurses and 16 Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs) with a target completion date of [DATE]. The BLS Skills Competency Checklist would be completed once a week for four (4) weeks, once a month for three (3) months, then quarterly for one year.
d. On [DATE], the DON initiated in-service education for all licensed nurses (in general) who worked on [DATE] for the morning, evening, and night shifts on the facility's policy and procedure [NAME], Change of Condition Notification, for residents who have no pulse, unresponsive, and have undetected vital signs (clinical measurements, specifically pulse rate [number of heart beat per minute], temperature [a measurement of the body making and releasing heat], respiration rate [number of breaths per minute], and blood pressure [the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries/blood vessels]). Any nursing staff (RNs, LVNs and CNAs in general) who did not complete the BLS Skills Competency checklist by [DATE] would not be scheduled to work until they completed the in-service education for the BLS Skills Competency Checklist.
e. On [DATE], the DSD initiated weekly mock (simulation/pretend) code blue medical emergency drills for 4 weeks to monitor nursing staff's (in general) compliance with the facility's Emergency Care policy.
f. On [DATE], the DON completed the BLS Skills Competency Checklist about Code Blue situation that was created by the DSD for RN 1.
g. On [DATE], Medical Record Staff (MRS) 1 completed the audit of all Active Resident POLST forms and uploaded the forms into the online documentation software for electronic medical records for quick reference.
h. On [DATE], outside BLS Trainer with BLS instructor credentials from the American Heart Association initiated First Aid CPR training for RNs, LVNs, and CNAs (in general). The BLS trainer would be completed the CPR training for all nursing staff from 3 shifts (morning, evening, and night shifts) by [DATE].
Findings:
A review of Resident 34's Face Sheet (admission record) indicated the facility admitted Resident 34 on [DATE], with diagnoses that included hemiplegia (paralysis/loss of the ability to move of one side of the body) and hemiparesis (one-sided muscle weakness) following a cerebral infarction (stroke, when something blocked blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain busted) affected the left non-dominant side.
A review of a document titled, Family Medicine Office/Clinic Note, dated [DATE], indicated Resident 34 was alert and oriented to self, time, place, and situation. The note indicated Resident 34 was able to make daily decisions. The Note indicated Resident 34 was doing well.
A review of Resident 34's Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) dated [DATE], and signed by Resident 34, indicated under Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (If patient has no pulse and not breathing, showed a handwritten check mark on Attempt/Resuscitation/CPR. The POLST indicated under Medical Interventions showed a check mark on Full Treatment (primary goal of prolonging life by all medically effective means.
A review of Resident 34's Progress Notes dated [DATE] timed at 12:53 PM, authored by RN 1 indicated the following events:
- At 7 AM, Resident 34 was alert and able to make needs known. The progress note indicated The resident's RR (respiratory rate) was even and unlabored (produced without difficulty or exertion). No SOB (shortness of breath) noted at this time. The resident denied pain. There is no distress noted at this time. The resident is resting comfortably in bed. The resident's VS (vital signs): 98/60 (blood pressure), 61 (pulse rate), 97.8 (temperature), 19 (respiratory rate), PS (pain status): 0/10 (0 equal no pain, 10 equal the worst pain). The resident's oxygen saturation (oxygen level in the blood; 95% to 100% are generally considered normal) was 96%.
- At 9 AM, Resident 34 was alert and able to make needs known. The note indicated There is no distress noted at this time.
- At 10 AM, Resident (34) was alert and able to make needs known. The resident's RR was even and unlabored. No SOB noted at this time. The note indicated the resident is resting comfortably on the bed at this time.
- At 11:02 AM, Resident 34 was noted to look pale. The RN could not detect the resident's pulse and blood pressure. The RN pronounced the resident expired at 11:02 AM.
- At 11:06 AM, RN 1 notified the resident's primary doctor. The note indicated RN 1 received new order to endorse the resident's body to the mortuary service (as) requested by the family.
During an interview with RN 1 and a concurrent review of Resident 34's Progress Notes dated [DATE] timed at 11:02 AM, on [DATE], at 2:49 PM, RN 1 stated on [DATE], when RN 1 entered Resident 34's room, RN 1 checked Resident 34's pulse and blood pressure. RN 1 stated Resident 34 had no vital signs on [DATE]. RN 1 stated Resident 34 looked pale, not responsive, but Resident 34's body was warm to touch. RN 1 stated RN 1 attempted CPR but RN 1 did not call 911 because Resident 34 had expired. RN 1 stated when the vital signs were not detected in a resident (in general), RN 1 would not call 911. RN 1 stated RN 1 attempted to perform CPR on Resident 34, but he did not document that he attempted the CPR on Resident 34 in Resident 34's Nurses Notes.
During a continued interview with RN 1 on [DATE] at 3:03 PM, RN 1 stated that on [DATE], RN 1 was alone when RN 1 went into Resident 34's room. RN 1 stated RN 1 did not see Resident 34's chest rose, and Resident 34 looked pale, on [DATE]. RN 1 stated RN 1 tried to get Resident 34's vital signs, on [DATE] but RN 1 could not get any vital signs. RN 1 stated RN 1 left Resident 34's room to check on Resident 34's POLST and immediately went back to Resident 34's room and started to perform CPR by himself. RN 1 stated at the time, Resident 34's skin color looked gray. RN 1 stated, RN 1 performed chest compressions for five minutes. RN 1 stated There was no pulse or vitals, the patient's (Resident 34's) vital signs were gone.
During a telephone interview with LVN 1 on [DATE] at 3:05 PM, LVN 1 stated on [DATE] (did not remember exact time) about 30 minutes prior to finding Resident 34 unresponsive, Resident 34 was alert and awake. LVN 1 stated LVN 1 found Resident 34 unresponsive and LVN 1 notified RN 1. LVN 1 stated they (RN 1 and LVN 1) assessed Resident 34 and the resident had no pulse, no blood pressure, nothing. LVN 1 stated Resident 34 was a full code, and they (RN 1 and LVN 1) did not perform CPR on Resident 34. LVN 1 stated LVN 1 did not see RN 1 performed CPR on Resident 34 and they (LVN 1 and RN 1) did not call 911. LVN 1 did not respond when asked why LVN 1 did not perform CPR for Resident 34 knowing Resident 34 was a full code.
During an interview with the DON on [DATE], at 3:07 PM, the DON stated when a resident had a full code status, facility staff (in general) needed to attempt CPR, and call 911. The DON stated it was important to call 911 due to the paramedics (medical professionals who specializes in emergency treatment) might be able to revive Resident 34. The DON stated, Full code means you call 911 and at least you try to save the patient (resident).
During another interview with RN 1 on [DATE] at 3:28 PM, RN 1 stated on [DATE] (did not state the time) before RN 1 attempted CPR on Resident 34, RN 1 called a code blue but there was nobody (no staff available). RN 1 stated LVN 1 was in Resident 34's room helped RN 1 with putting the papers. RN 1 stated LVN 1 helped immediately, but RN 1 could not recall exactly what LVN 1 did during that time. RN 1 stated after 5 minutes of performing CPR on Resident 34, RN 1 notified Physician 1 that Resident 34 had expired.
During an interview with Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 1 on [DATE] at 3:28 PM, CNA 1 stated she was assigned to Resident 34 and was on lunch break on [DATE] (did not remember the time), when RN 1 found Resident 34 unresponsive. CNA 1 stated when she returned from lunch break, Resident 34 had already expired. CNA 1 stated she did not recall any code blue being called on [DATE].
During a telephone interview with CNA 2 on [DATE] at 4:22 PM, CNA 2 stated she worked on [DATE] (with CNA 1) during the 7 AM to 3 PM shift. CNA 2 recalled that on [DATE] (did not remember exact time), during the morning shift, Resident 34 was alert and awake. CNA 2 stated on [DATE], none of the facility's staff called a Code Blue.
During a telephone interview with Resident 34's family member (Family) 1 on [DATE] at 4:25 PM, Family 1 stated Resident 34 changed Resident 34's POLST around a month before Resident 34 passed away to full code status. Family 1 stated Resident 34 wished to receive full medical treatment including CPR.
During a concurrent review of Resident 34's Progress Notes, dated [DATE], timed 11:02 AM, and interview with the DON on [DATE] at 5:03 PM, the DON stated a physician (in general) needed to pronounce Resident 34 expired and not RN 1. The DON stated RN 1 should have called 911 and 911's staff (paramedics) would pronounce when Resident 34 expired. The DON stated the paramedics needed to check if there was no more life or if they (the paramedics) can provide Advance Life Support (ALS, referred to as Advanced Cardiac Life Support [ACLS], was a set of life-saving protocols and skills that extend beyond BLS) to revive Resident 34, especially Resident 34 had a full code status.
During another interview with RN 1 on [DATE] at 5:12 PM, RN 1 stated he needed to call 911 and performed CPR until the physician (in general) pronounced the resident's death. RN 1 stated he could not recall how many chest compressions he performed and RN 1 stated he did not use a bag valve mask (BVM, a type of device known as a bag valve mask, used to provide respiratory support to patients/residents) to provide rescue breathing, RN 1 stated I just try to pump her heart.
During a telephone interview on [DATE] at 5:24 PM with Physician 1, who was also the facility's Medical Director, stated that the expectation for the licensed nurses during emergency situations was to perform CPR for full code residents and someone is delegated to call the attending physician or 911. Physician 1 stated it was acceptable for licensed nurses to call 911 first before calling the physician if the resident was not breathing. Physician 1 stated they (licensed nurses) do have the ability to call 911 . for a full code resident.
During a concurrent interview and record review on [DATE] at 6:01 PM. The facility's policy and procedure titled, Emergency Care, dated [DATE] (the current policy and procedure provided by the facility), indicated for staff to immediately call 911 for medical emergency assistance during an emergency. The DON stated during emergency situations, facility's staff (in general) needed follow the facility's policy. The DON stated 911 emergency services needed to be called when Resident 34 was not breathing, pulseless, and/or unresponsive, to get help from the paramedics and preserve Resident 34's life.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Emergency Care - General, revised on [DATE] (the current policy and procedure provided by the facility), indicated the purpose of the policy was to give emergency treatment to residents .to prevent further harm, and promote recovery. The policy indicated for facility's staff to determine the nature of the injury/illness .and to summon help and immediately call 911 for medical emergency assistance. The policy indicated these emergency situations would include but are not limited to Cessation of breathing (stop breathing), blockage of airway, pulseless victim .new onset of unconsciousness or unresponsiveness to verbal or physical stimuli. The policy indicated the licensed nurse's role during a code blue included to lead the code blue in the absence of a physician and coordinate the resuscitation efforts until paramedics arrive. The policy indicated that the licensed nurse would assure that . CPR has been initiated, 911 had been called, code blue had been paged overhead, and emergency cart was on the scene.
A review of the facility's policy and procedures titled, Medical Emergencies- Code Blue, revised on [DATE] (the current policy and procedure provided by the facility), indicated the following information:
1. The first of facility personnel to arrive and find a resident with any of the above condition . that included Respiratory or Cardiac arrest, should call for help.
2. Send available staff to call a Code Blue and retrieve emergency medical equipment:
3. Assess the resident's level of consciousness, circulation, airway, and breathing; begin CPR according to current practice.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled, Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST), revised on [DATE] (the current policy and procedure provided by the facility), indicated the purpose of the policy was to help ensure that Facility honors residents' treatment wishes concerning resuscitation and life sustaining treatment. The policy indicated The POLST is a voluntary form used statewide as a physician order form that converts a resident's wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment and resuscitation into physician orders. The policy further indicated A valid POLST form is to be honored across treatment settings.
A review of the facility's policy and procedure titled Change of Condition Notification, revised on [DATE] (the current policy and procedure provided by the facility), indicated the definition of an acute change of condition (ACOC) is a sudden, clinically important deviation from a patient's baseline in physical, cognitive, behavioral, or functional domains. The policy indicated If the resident deteriorates, the symptoms are serious, and the most rapid intervention available by a physician would place the resident in great jeopardy, call 911 for transport to hospital.
A review of the American Heart Association CRP & First Aid Emergency Cardiovascular Care website titled, Algorithms, for the year of 2023, the website indicated for adults, look for no breathing or only gasping and check pulse (simultaneously) and if pulse is felt within 10 seconds with no normal breathing, then to provide rescue breathing, one (1) breath every six (6) seconds or 10 breaths per minute, check pulse every two (2) minutes and if no pulse, start CPR. The website indicated, when CPR is started, perform cycles of 30 chest compressions and two (2) breaths and resume CPR cycles until an ALS provider arrived over or the victim started to move.
[https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms#adult]