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32 | Later on 05/07/2025, R1 sustained a second fall in the evening while attempting to reach for a snack, landing on the floor in a seated position. Over the following days, R1 continued to report severe pain, and staff documented worsening bruising, swelling, and redness. On 05/11/2025, staff noted that R1’s “[right] hand is so swollen and [their] arm is just hanging down [their] recliner, looks like something pulling it down.” On 05/12/2025, staff documented that R1’s “arm is extremely purple and swollen” and that redness remained present on the arm, hip, and legs.
On the evening of 05/12/2025, R1 sustained a third unwitnessed fall near the fireplace, resulting in a skin laceration on the right dorsal forearm. First aid was administered, Hospice was notified, and it was further documented that R1 was “in too much pain.” On 05/13/2025, Charting Notes indicated that R1 was “screaming in pain” and refused to allow staff to reposition their hand. A second x-ray was then ordered on the arm, revealing multiple fractures of the distal radius and distal ulna with soft tissue swelling. Later that evening and at the family’s request, R1 was discharged from Hospice and transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
Staff interviews revealed that the facility protocol for unwitnessed falls is to notify the med-tech, who then assesses the resident to determine if a hospital transfer is warranted. The med-tech reportedly conducts a skin assessment, evaluates for major injuries, observes range of motion, and provides the resident with verbal cues. Staff stated that emergency services are contacted immediately if the resident is in pain, has limited mobility, grimacing, hits their head, is bleeding, or sustains a skin laceration. If the resident is on Hospice, the facility notifies the Hospice agency and follows their orders. Staff #1 (S1) expressed that R1 should have been transferred to the hospital immediately after the first fall and again after the final fall resulted in a skin laceration; however, the facility followed the Hospice reporting procedures. The ED also expressed uncertainty regarding whether facility protocols were followed prior to new management. Staff reported conducting daily skin checks but were unable to specify what occurred after reporting abnormal findings, and inconsistencies were noted in how staff monitored residents for injuries.
Report Continued on LIC 9099-C |