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32 | An audit of R1’s daily medication, prescribed to manage R1’s primary medical diagnosis, confirmed R1 missed approximately 4 doses. Additionally, on 3/20/2023, R1’s PCP placed a “hold” on R1’s blood pressure medication yet facility staff continued to administer this medication for approximately 8 days after the medication hold was issued. Interviews with outside sources revealed that the correct administration of medication was required to treat R1’s acute health condition. Records review determined that when medications were administered correctly, R1’s baseline remained stable, and they were primarily able to manage their own activities of daily living (ADLs).
Interviews and records reviews revealed on May 12, 2023, R1 was found unresponsive by facility staff and sent to the Emergency Room (ER). Outside source records revealed at the time of the ER admission, R1's blood pressure level was out of range, and R1 still tested positive for a UTI. Outside source interviews and record reviews revealed several of R1’s medications that were not given as prescribed had side effects including, but not limited to: confusion, lethargy, and loss of bladder control. Similarly, the presence of a UTI also had symptoms such as confusion, incontinence, and frequent falls. An outside source interview and facility records review revealed facility staff reassessed R1 from a care level 2 to an increased care level of 5. The reassessment occurred during the time staff were not administering medication as prescribed, which contributed to acute side-effects that led to R1 requiring additional care. A facility record review revealed the reassessment included additional “escort services” due to R1 having falls. However, interviews with staff and an outside source and LPA observation after R1’s Responsible Party (RP) was notified about the change in level of care revealed R1 was seen ambulating throughout the facility on several occasions, unaccompanied by an escort.
In addition to R1’s incidents of medication errors noted above, multiple staff interviews revealed they had observed many other medication errors during this time. A facility records review and review of outside source evidence confirmed medications were found unsecured throughout the facility. Records review also revealed on several occasions, facility staff notated and communicated the medication errors to facility management. Interviews and records review also revealed incidents where pills were found on the floor throughout the facility, including pills found in R1’s room that were not prescribed to R1.
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