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32 | On 9/15/2021, R1 was hospitalized due to a fall and associated pain as a result of the fall. On 9/16/2021, R1 was hospitalized for a fall which was due to increased weakness. On 11/07/2021, R1 was hospitalized due to a choking incident in which R1 was placed on aspiration precautions and was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. On 11/15/2021, R1 suffered another fall and was hospitalized with lacerations. On 12/12/2021, R1 suffered a fall and was diagnosed with a brain bleed. Lastly, on 12/22/2021, R1 was hospitalized because of slurred speech and increased confusion. On 12/22/2021, R1 was also noted to have had a stroke.
Due to R1’s change of condition and subsequent hospitalization on 12/22/2021, R1 was admitted to hospice on 12/23/2021 with the diagnoses of CVA and vascular dementia. CVA, otherwise known as a cerebrovascular accident, is medically known as a stroke. The Hospice Care Plan dated 12/23/2021 documented that R1 had ‘multiple TIA’, which according to Mayo Clinic, is medically known as transient ischemic attacks, which have symptoms to those of a stroke. Common symptoms include weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face or parts of the body, slurred or garbled speech, and/or loss of balance or coordination.
Hospice records indicated that R1 received visits on 12/23/2021, 12/24/2021, 12/25/2021, 12/27/2021, 12/29/2021, 12/30/2021, and 12/31/2021. A review of notes indicated that R1 suffered a fall on 12/24/2021 and 12/25/2021 as a result of increased weakness. R1 was observed with excessive secretions and a cough on 12/27/2021. On 12/29/2021, R1 was visited twice by hospice, as R1 experienced shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure. This change of condition continued through 12/30/2021 and on 12/31/2021, R1 passed away at the facility. The death certificate indicated that the cause of death was a cerebrovascular accident and vascular dementia. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is also referred to as a stroke or a brain attack, which is an interruption in the flow of blood cells to the brain. R1’s family member noted that they believed R1 had experienced multiple TIAs in the years prior to their passing, unbeknownst to R1.
Based on the investigation, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that the cause of R1’s death was due to the ingesting of medications and a subsequent hospitalization, which resulted in a death. R1 was often hospitalized either due to a fall or at R1’s request due to a perceived change of condition. Whereas there is evidence that R1 suffered several strokes, subpoenaed hospital records did not indicate that R1 was hospitalized due to a medication error, nor is there sufficient evidence per the interviews conducted with staff and R1’s family to confirm the correlation between a stroke and ingested medications. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.
No deficiencies cited. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was issued.
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