Posts Tagged ‘Failure to Respond to Change in Condition’

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Thief River Care Center Neglect Substantiated after Amputation

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 14th April 2018 | Category: Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Pressure Sores Leading to Amputation, Failure to Provide CPR at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls Minnesota

Thief River Care Center Thief River Falls Complaint Findings for Neglect of Health Care

In a report concluded on January 10, 2018, the Minnesota Department of Health, cited Thief River Care Center for substantiated neglect of health care leading to an above the knee amputation. It is alleged that a resident was neglected when the facility did not provide adequate assessment, monitoring and cares to prevent pressure ulcers. The resident sustained a pressure ulcer that lead to an amputation of a limb. The resident also sustained additional pressure ulcers on the buttocks and back of head.

Pressure Sores Lead to Above the Knee Amputation of Resident’s Leg

Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the resident developed an unstageable (full thickness ties loss in which the base of the ulcer is covered by a slough (yellow, tan, gray, green or brown) and/or eschar (tan, brown or black) in the wound bed) left calf pressure ulcer. The pressure ulcer was avoidable and the resident required an above the knee amputation. In addition, the resident developed a pressure ulcer on his/her right calf, coccyx, buttocks, and back of head. The facility failed to adequately assess the resident when s/he developed pressure ulcers and implement additional interventions to minimize the risk of additional pressure ulcer development.

The resident eventually passed away from medical conditions unrelated to the amputation.

Citation Against Thief River Care for a Failure to Perform CPR

In a report concluded on May 11, 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Thief River Care Center Thief River Falls for neglect of health care.

The allegation is neglect based on the following: Staff did not initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when Resident #1 was found with no pulse or respirations. Resident #1’s record indicated that CPR should be performed.

What can the Office of Health Facility Complaints Investigate?

Complaints relating to quality of life and quality of care at health care facilities/agencies including resident rights concerns.
Minnesota licensed facilities: hospitals
nursing homes
boarding care homes
supervised living facilities
assisted living and home health agencies
Individuals or organizations exempted from licensure per MS 144A.46, Subd. 2.
Allegations of child maltreatment in non-licensed personal care provider organizations.
Only personal care assistance (PCAs) staff working in home care agencies.

The Minnesota Department of Health Facilities Complaint, OHFC Does Not Investigate:

Billing or insurance concerns.
Medical clinics.
PCAs who do not work for a home care agency.

For more information from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Health Facility Complaints concerning nursing homes, assisted living and other elder care providers view resolved complaints at the MDH website.

If you have concerns about, pressure ulcers, amputations, failure to perform CPR or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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KSMS Our House Austin Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 18th March 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Pressure Ulcers, Wound Care | RSS Feed

Failure to Provide Proper Wound Care and Assessment – Pressure Sores – Ulcers – KSMS Our House in Austin Minnesota

KSMS Our House Austin Cited with Neglect After Serious Wounds

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health dated, February 13, 2017, it is alleged that a client at KSMS Our House in Austin Minnesota was neglected when s/he presented to the hospital with an elevated temperature, a leg severely bruised with blisters, and a large ulcerated sore on his/her tailbone that was infected.

Negligence Supported Against KSMS Our House After Ulcerated Sore

Based on the report a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the facility failed to provide proper care and treatment of the client’s coccyx, buttock, and heel wounds. The client had recurrent problems with wound healing for over two years . The facility Registered Nurse (RN) failed to provide adequate wound assessment and monitoring of the client’s wounds, and failed to provide direction and training to direct care staff who were to performing the delegated nursing task of wound care.

The client was cognitively impaired and was completely reliant on caregivers for all activities of daily living. The client could not walk and was transferred by two staff with a mechanical lift. The client was incontinent of bowel and bladder and staff performed the client’s incontinence care. The client had pressure sores on the coccyx and left heel for over two years. Direct care staff performed the client’s daily wound treatments, without any written instructions or training by the RN.

The client’s only wound assessment by the facility RN was completed in 2014. At that time, the client had a stage II pressure ulcer on the inside of the right buttock measuring 2 centimeters (cm) x 1.5 cm. There was no evidence of further RN oversight of the client’s wound. The client’s medical record was void of any wound assessments, pertaining to the client’s heel ulcer.

In March 2016, a hospital record indicated that the client still had the stage II pressure ulcer on the right buttock and had also developing stage II pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Discharge orders to the facility including instructions for dressing changes and instructions to frequently change the client’s position.

In May 2016, direct care staff documented that the client had a “big open sore on her bottom” and the client’s family member took the client to the hospital for evaluation. A culture of the wound drainage was taken. Hospital discharge orders provided to the facility included instructions for dressing changes, including the application of antibiotic ointment for ten days.

In July 2016, a hospital record indicated that the client had multiple areas of dermis loss on the buttocks and inner groin, including a 4.5 cm x 0.7 cm open lesion on the left inner groin, a 3.5 x 2.0 cm open ulceration on the right lower buttock, a 4.5 cm x 2.0 cm open ulceration on the right buttock, a 0.3 cm x 5.0 cm open ulceration on the gluteal fold, and two open areas on the left buttock measuring 0.5. cm x 0.5 cm and 0.5 cm x 0.8 cm. All areas were macerated. Hospital discharge orders were provided to the facility including instructions for wound care, perineal care, and to document the client’s wound healing each day.

In August 2016, a hospital record indicated that the client had an unstageable ulcer on the left heel and the client was admitted for hospitalization due to osteomyelitis of the heel wound with culture results positive for MRSA and Strep. The client underwent a surgical limb salvage procedure for the left heel. The client’s buttock and groin wounds were also evaluated during hospitalization. Hospital discharge orders provided to the facility included instructions for wound treatment and care of the surgical incision, which entailed application of an ace wrap to the client’s left leg.

In September 2016, a hospital record indicated that the client was emergently hospitalized due to a change in condition. On hospital arrival, the client was unresponsive, had a fever of 101 degrees, oxygen saturations not above 87% on six liters of oxygen, bilateral blue feet, and a left lower leg that was red and swollen with fluid-filled blisters. The client was admitted to the ICU with polymicrobial infections of the left leg, sacrum and urinary tract, along with pneumonia. The client’s condition did not improve with volume resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Comfort measures were elected and the client was discharged to a skilled care facility on hospice care.

All of the client’s hospital visits from March 2016 to September 2016 were facilitated by the client’s family member, based on reports direct care staff gave the family member about the deteriorating condition of the client’s wounds. During the same time period from March 2016 to September 2016, multiple direct care staff had informed the RN that the client’s wounds were worsening, looked infected, and had drainage that soaked through the dressings. There was no evidence that the RN ever addressed the client’s wound, monitored the status of the client’s wounds for healing, or followed up on the culture results. The client’s medical record was void of any wound assessments from March 2016 to September 2016 and void of any progress notes or evidence of follow-up about the client’s wound culture. During the period March 2016 to September 2016, direct care staff performed the client’s wound dressings, without any evidence of training by the RN including the safe handling of contaminated materials. The client’s care plan completed by the RN did not contain any information about the client’s wounds.

After the client had the left heel surgical procedure in August 2016, hospital discharge instructions included application of an ace wrap to the client’s left leg following incision care. Only the RN applied the client’s ace wrap. There was no evidence that the RN monitored the client’s left leg for circulation, motor ability, or sensation. When the client was re-hospitalized in September 2016, the hospital record noted that the client’s left lower leg had an “an ace wrap that was bound too tightly” causing the appearance of “rug-burns”, in addition to an obvious cellulitis of the lower extremity which was red and swollen with fluid blisters.

When interviewed, the facility RN had no explanation regarding the inadequate nurse oversight of the client’s wounds.

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Tibia Fracture – Allegation of Neglect – Fractured Tibia – KSMS Our House in Austin

Tibia Fracture to Client Leads to MDH Complaint of Neglect Against KSMS Our House

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated February 13, 2017, it was alleged that a client at KSMS Our House in Austin Minnesota was neglected when s/he had a fall. The client had progressively worse pain after the fall and it was discovered ten days later that the client had a tibia fracture.

Substantiated Neglect Complaint After Client Fractures Tibia in Fall

Based on the report a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the facility failed to thoroughly assess the client after a fall, monitor the client’s change in condition, and intervene with proper nursing care that addressed the client’s acute needs. Ten days after the fall, it was discovered that the client had a broken leg.

The client used a wheelchair propelled with his/her feet. Due to unsteadiness when standing, balance problems, and history of falls, the client needed the assistance of one staff to stand and pivot for transfers. The client needed the assistance of one staff for all activities of daily living. The client could verbally express his/her needs and desires. The client lived alone in an apartment and wore a pendant that s/he could push to alert staff when s/he needed help.

During a night in July 2016, the client paged staff at 3:45 a.m. because s/he had fallen in his/her apartment. Direct care staff responded and found the client sitting on the floor. The client told staff that his/her knees hurt. After the client fell, the client was not thoroughly assessed by a nurse at any time for ten days, even though multiple direct care staff repeatedly reported to the RN the client’s symptoms of leg pain, leg swelling, bruising, difficulty with transfers, and inability to propel the wheelchair independently. Ten days after the fall, the client’s family member took the client to the hospital due to the client’s complaints of ongoing severe leg pain.

The client’s hospital record indicated that the client had severe pain with movement and positive changes of the right leg and decreased range of motion in the right knee. The client’s right and left anterior knees had diffuse bruising with greater bruising on the right lateral tibia, and right upper arm. The client’s right calf was red, swollen, and warm to touch and was suspicious for cellulitis. X-rays confirmed the client had a right tibial plateau fracture. Conservative management of the fracture was elected. The client was hospitalized to treat the cellulitis with intravenous antibiotics. During hospitalization, the client declined with acute kidney injury and altered mental status. After being hospitalized for seven days, the client was discharged to a skilled care facility.

The facility has a full-time Registered Nursing (RN) and nurses on-call at all times, when the facility’s RN is not onsite. There was no evidence that a nurse thoroughly assessed the client’s status at any time during the ten days the client exhibited symptoms of fracture. The facility’s RN made only two brief progress notes (a note two days after the fall and another note the day before the client went to the hospital) which did not include any detailed assessment information or address changes in the client’s condition that had been reported by direct care staff. The facility’s medical record was void of any nursing progress notes prior to the client’s fall.

Statements by the facility’s RN concerning the client’s post-fall status were contradictory to multiple interviews of the direct care staff who provided care to the client after the client fell.

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Failure to Assess Change in Condition Fractured Leg, KSMS Our House Austin

KSMS Our House Austin Complaint Findings for Neglect – Failure to Assess

In a report concluded on November 13, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites KSMS Our House Austin for neglect of health care failure to assess change in condition.

It is alleged that neglect of health care occurred when the alleged perpetrator (AP) failed to assess a client #1’s pain. The client had a broken leg. In addition; the AP failed to send another client #2 to the hospital in a timely manner after a change in health status.

Substantiated Neglect Against KSMS Our House Austin

Based on preponderance of evidence neglect did occur when a client’s change in condition was not assessed by the AP to ensure timely medical intervention.

The client had diagnoses that included diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Asthma. The client received assistance of one staff with activities of daily living (ADL) skills that included walking, medication administration, and daily accuceheck (blood sugar monitoring). The client was independent with administration of his/her insulin injections. The client’s medication regimen included pain control of Oxycodone (narcotic) 30 milligrams (mg) extended release tablets take one tablet by mouth every 12 hours. Oxycodone/APAP (narcotic) 5-325 mg tablet; take one or two tablets by mouth every 4 -6 hours as needed for pain.

On the morning of the client’s change in condition at 8:00 a.m., the staff identified, the client was “pretty out of it”. The client had oxygen levels of 86% to 93%, required assistance to put medications in his/her mouth, and was unable to self-administer the insulin. The staff notified the AP of the client’s change in condition. The AP instructed staff to administer the client’s insulin, but did not assess the client’s condition in relation to the altered mental status and inability to self-administer medications. The AP did not provide the staff with any parameters for monitoring the client or when to call the AP back. In addition, the AP informed the staff not to call 911 unless the client was unconscious. Later the same day, on the evening shift of work, the client was not able to stand up. The staff notified the AP of the client’s inability to stand. The AP instructed staff to use a mechanical lift for transfers without an assessment of the client’s status or provide the staff with any parameters for monitoring the client or when to call the AP back. Eleven hours after the first reported change in condition had not improved and staff identified the client had an oxygen level of 86%, and a temperature of 101.5. Staff did not call the AP for direction instead called 911 and the client was transported to the hospital and admitted to the hospital intensive care with a diagnosis of Toxic/metabolic Oxycodone, intermittent myoclonic jerks, acute delirium and pneumonia – likely from aspiration. The client returned to the facility after a five-day hospital stay.

If you have concerns about a failure to assess a change in condition, falls, fractures or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Kenneth LaBore Offers Free Consultations and Serves Clients Throughout the State of Minnesota Call Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589

Pressure Sore Stages

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 3rd February 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Patient Lift | RSS Feed

Pressure Sore Stages NPUAP Stage 5, Deep Tissue Pressure Injury

Pressure Sore Stages

Pressure sores stages are categorized into four key stages depending on their age, size, depth and severity. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, a professional organization that promotes the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, defines each stage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, for people who use a wheelchair, pressure sores often occur on skin over the following sites:

Tailbone or buttocks
Shoulder blades and spine
Backs of arms and legs where they rest against the chair

For people who are confined to a bed, common sites include the following:

Back or sides of the head
Rim of the ears
Shoulders or shoulder blades
Hip, lower back or tailbone
Heels, ankles and skin behind the knees

Pressure Sore Stages

According to WebMD, pressure sores (bed sores) are an injury to the skin and underlying tissue. They can range from mild reddening of the skin to severe tissue damage-and sometimes infection-that extends into muscle and bone. Pressure sores are described in four stages:

Stage 1 sores are not open wounds. The skin may be painful, but it has no breaks or tears. The skin appears reddened and does not blanch (lose color briefly when you press your finger on it and then remove your finger). In a dark-skinned person, the area may appear to be a different color than the surrounding skin, but it may not look red. Skin temperature is often warmer. And the stage 1 sore can feel either firmer or softer than the area around it.

At stage 2, the skin breaks open, wears away, or forms an ulcer, which is usually tender and painful. The sore expands into deeper layers of the skin. It can look like a scrape (abrasion), blister, or a shallow crater in the skin. Sometimes this stage looks like a blister filled with clear fluid. At this stage, some skin may be damaged beyond repair or may die.

During stage 3, the sore gets worse and extends into the tissue beneath the skin, forming a small crater. Fat may show in the sore, but not muscle, tendon, or bone.

At stage 4, the pressure sore is very deep, reaching into muscle and bone and causing extensive damage. Damage to deeper tissues, tendons, and joints may occur.

In stages 3 and 4 there may be little or no pain due to significant tissue damage. Serious complications, such as infection of the bone (osteomyelitis) or blood (sepsis), can occur if pressure sores progress.

Sometimes a pressure sore does not fit into one of these stages. In some cases, a deep pressure sore is suspected but cannot be confirmed. When there isn’t an open wound but the tissues beneath the surface have been damaged, the sore is called a deep tissue injury (DTI). The area of skin may look purple or dark red, or there may be a blood-filled blister. If you or your doctor suspect a pressure sore, the area is treated as though a pressure sore has formed.

There are also pressure sores that are “unstageable,” meaning that the stage is not clear. In these cases, the base of the sore is covered by a thick layer of other tissue and pus that may be yellow, gray, green, brown, or black. The doctor cannot see the base of the sore to determine the stage.

Pressure Sore Stages Neglect Attorney

If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Pressure Sore Injury

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 3rd February 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Nursing Staff Providing Wound Care for Pressure Sore Injury

Nursing Home Pressure Sore Injury

Residents of nursing homes have a few areas of risk that are the greatest, some like falls, being dropped from lifts, medication mistakes, sexual and physical abuse are obvious forms of neglect. Pressure sore injury is usually neglect that occurs over a period of time and due to a failure to relieve pressure usually aggravated by other factors such as a lack of nutrition and hydration and issues with sanitation and hygiene in the subject facility.

Pressure Sore Injury is Preventable

According to federal regulations, based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that—

(i) A resident receives care, consistent with professional standards of practice, to prevent pressure ulcers and does not develop pressure ulcers unless the individual’s clinical condition demonstrates that they were unavoidable; and

(ii) A resident with pressure ulcers receives necessary treatment and services, consistent with professional standards of practice, to promote healing, prevent infection and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Pressure Sore Injury to Skin and Underlying Tissue

Picture of Pressure Sore From Healthwise

According to WebMD,pressure sores (bed sores) are an injury to the skin and underlying tissue. They can range from mild reddening of the skin to severe tissue damage-and sometimes infection-that extends into muscle and bone. Pressure sores are described in four stages:

Stage 1 sores are not open wounds. The skin may be painful, but it has no breaks or tears. The skin appears reddened and does not blanch (lose color briefly when you press your finger on it and then remove your finger). In a dark-skinned person, the area may appear to be a different color than the surrounding skin, but it may not look red. Skin temperature is often warmer. And the stage 1 sore can feel either firmer or softer than the area around it.

At stage 2, the skin breaks open, wears away, or forms an ulcer, which is usually tender and painful. The sore expands into deeper layers of the skin. It can look like a scrape (abrasion), blister, or a shallow crater in the skin. Sometimes this stage looks like a blister filled with clear fluid. At this stage, some skin may be damaged beyond repair or may die.

During stage 3, the sore gets worse and extends into the tissue beneath the skin, forming a small crater. Fat may show in the sore, but not muscle, tendon, or bone.

At stage 4, the pressure sore is very deep, reaching into muscle and bone and causing extensive damage. Damage to deeper tissues, tendons, and joints may occur.

Additional Information on Pressure Sore Injury

Also see my other blogs on this topic:

Bedsore Stages

Pressure Injury Stages

Pressure Injuries

Pressure Sore Injury Neglect Attorney

If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect contact Kenneth LaBore who has handled dozens of very serious pressure sore and ulcer cases for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Bedsore Stages

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 3rd February 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Wound Care After Bed Sore Stages Injury

Bedsore Stages of Injury

Bedsore stages is the same as the stages of a pressure injury. There are many different names for bedsores, including the same word split into bed sore, pressure injuries, pressure sores, pressure ulcer and decubitus ulcer all are a way of explaining skin breakdown which and the related wound which is then set into stages. All of these wounds are considered preventable in most cases with proper care and treatment.

According to the Mayo clinic, bedsores most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone. People most at risk of bedsores are those with a medical condition that limits their ability to change positions, requires them to use a wheelchair or confines them to a bed for a long time.
Bedsores can develop quickly and are often difficult to treat. Several things can help prevent some bedsores and help with healing.

Wound Characteristics Determine Bedsore Stages

The stages of the bedsore injuries is determined on the characteristics of the wound. To determine the stage of a wound the provider needs to examine and measure the wound and chart related characteristics such as size (length x width x depth), as well as, the color of the skin and surrounding area, smell, texture and other specifics needed to analysis the wounds origin and progress towards healing.

According to Wikipedia, pressure ulcers occur due to pressure applied to soft tissue resulting in completely or partially obstructed blood flow to the soft tissue. Shear is also a cause, as it can pull on blood vessels that feed the skin. Pressure ulcers most commonly develop in individuals who are not moving about, such as those being bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. It is widely believed that other factors can influence the tolerance of skin for pressure and shear, thereby increasing the risk of pressure ulcer development. These factors are protein-calorie malnutrition, microclimate (skin wetness caused by sweating or incontinence), diseases that reduce blood flow to the skin, such as arteriosclerosis, or diseases that reduce the sensation in the skin, such as paralysis or neuropathy. The healing of pressure ulcers may be slowed by the age of the person, medical conditions (such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes or infection), smoking or medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Information About Bedsore Stages

According to St.Luke’s Health System, the stages of pressure sores bedsores is as follows:

Stage 1

The unbroken skin is red and nonblanchable. Note: It may be difficult to determine blanching in darker skin tones. The affected area may differ in color from the surrounding skin.

Goal: Prevent further progression of the injury and support blood flow.
Implement treatment plan for (Suspected) Deep Tissue Injury.
Cleanse and lightly moisturize the skin. Note: Never massage the affected area. This can cause further damage to tissue. Allow the moisturizer to dry before placing any additional pressure on the area.
Apply protective dressing, if indicated.
Evaluate nutritional intake

Stage 2

Partial-thickness skin loss has occurred and the wound bed is red-pink in color. Slough is not present, but a broken or intact serum-filled blister may be evident.

Goal: Prevent full-thickness injury and continue to promote healing.
Implement treatment plan for previous stages.
Apply dressing to keep wound bed moist and promote healing.
Protect fragile skin from adhesives.
Reevaluate nutritional intake.

Stage 3

Full-thickness skin loss has occurred. Slough may be present. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle are not. Undermining or tunneling may also be present.

Goal: Maintain a clean, moist wound bed to prevent infection and promote new tissue growth (granulation).
Implement treatment plans for previous stages.
Remove dead tissue (debridement), if needed.
Absorb drainage.
Fill the injury cavity with appropriate dressing.
Evaluate the need for nutritional consultation.

Stage 4

Full-thickness skin loss has occurred. Bone, tendon, or muscle is exposed. Slough or eschar may be present, but the base of the wound can be seen. Undermining and tunneling are often present.

Goal: Reduce drainage, remove dead tissue, and establish an environment for new tissue growth.
Implement treatment plans for previous stages.
Report bone involvement.
Treat infection with antibiotics, if indicated.
Discuss with the healthcare provider whether surgery is needed.

Unstageable

Full-thickness skin loss has occurred. Slough or eschar covers the wound base. The wound depth cannot be determined because of the slough or eschar.

Goal: Determine stage, provide moist environment, and prevent further breakdown.
Debride the wound. Do not debride the heel unless signs of infection are present.
Reassess injury stage once base is visible.
Manage pain of injury.
Assess for infection.
Discuss pressure injury with the healthcare provider.

For more information see pressures injury stages

Worsening Bedsore Stages Neglect Attorney

If you have questions about bedsore injuries nursing home abuse and neglect contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore has handled dozens of bed sore and pressure injury cases and can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Pressure Injury Stages

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 3rd February 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Health-skin-Non-Caucasian, Pressure Injury from NPUAP

Pressure Injury Stages Have Many Names

There are names for skin breakdown and deterioration leading to need for pressure injury stages. Pressure injuries are commonly referred to as “bedsores” sometimes spelled “bed sores” they are medically called decubitus ulcers and as know by many as pressure sores. No matter the name used these sores are injuries due to excessive amounts of pressure for long periods of time in most cases. The sores and ulcers occur on pressure points of the body such as the back of the head, shoulders, rear-end and coccyx, and bottom of heals.

Preventable Pressure Injury Stages

According to federal regulations a person who enters a nursing home without a pressure sore should receive proper care and treatment including turning and reposition, proper hydration, nutrition, and hygiene which should prevent ulcers. The combination of not being turned as you sit in your urine or feces, on already dirty sheets without enough fluids and protein in your body to fight infections heal leads to the perfect situation for large festering and infected sores. I have seen many cases of sores down to the bone or feel that need amputation after long periods of delay and neglect from care facilities.

Assessment Needed to Determine Pressure Injury Stages

There are sophisticated ways to assess residents of nursing homes and other elder care providers to look specifically for risks including falling, wandering due to confusion, needs assistance with eating and other risks, including skin condition and aggravators for the potential of developing sores. Interventions should be taken eliminate hazards and risks as much as practicable, including specialized mattresses that reduce occurrences of pressure ulcers, nutritional supplements. medical equipment such as foam splints and boots to help relieve pressure.

One a sore begins it needs to be carefully charted on the characteristics of the wound and the skin surrounding it. The caregiver and nursing staff needs to look for skin changes from normal skin to open sores and wounds. Charting needs to include the size in millimeters and centimeters, length x width, x depth. The color, skin turgor, and other characteristics of the areas surrounding the wound must also be documented. The goal is to have each aide and caregiver that sees the wound(s) document the status of the wound at that moment in time so a chart or graph can be made to analysis the condition of the wound and determine is it getting worse or better.

NPUAP – Pressure Injury Stages

Ulcers and sores from pressure injury has Stages 1 to 4 and another for wounds that are considered “unstageable” due to dark hardened skin that is over the wound, often necrotic and considered very serious as is the later Stage 3 and 4 sores. According to the Nation Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, NPUAP, an organization focused on the education and research of pressure sores and ulcers who outline the stages of the wounds, Stage 1 is a early wound with a reddened area and Stage 4 is through all the layers of skin and muscle and often bone is revealed.

Pressure Injury Stages Attorney

If you have questions about pressure injury sores or nursing home abuse and neglect contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 31st January 2017 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Minnesota Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer

Minnesota Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Elder neglect and abuse is preventable as a nursing home bed sore lawyer I frequently see wounds with infection, deep sores, some to the bone and requiring surgery including amputations of feet and lower legs. Bed sore are really sores that people who are usually limited in mobility receive due to long periods of time in bed and without activity. Bed sores are usually preventable if a person receives sufficient foods and water, and regular movement of their body and limbs. Depending on the person they should have a minimum of turning and repositioning every two hours.

Federal regulations mandate that nursing homes must assess resident risks and provide proper care and support that if a person enters a facility without a pressure sore they should not develop one. Also if a person has a pressure ulcer they receive the proper care, including wound care from an outside provider to ensure that the wound does not get worse.

Minnesota regulation in Statute 144.7065,requires reporting [by the facility to the Commissioner of the Department of Health] of Stage 3 or 4 or Unstageable ulcers acquired after admission to a facility, excluding progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3 if Stage 2 was recognized upon admission.

Rural Minnesota Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Attorney Kenneth LaBore handles bed sore cases throughout the state of Minnesota and is willing to travel to clients for meeting and hearings in their local county whenever possible. Bed sore cases are also medical malpractice claims and require expert witness support under Minnesota Statute 145.682. If the wound worsens to the point of infection sepsis and death then they are also wrongful death cases, which in Minnesota has limited damage jury instructions and expert witness testimony or other evidence must be developed.

There are several stages of pressure bed sores ranging from a Stage 1 reddened area to Stage 4, and Unstageable which are ulcer sores through the layers of skin and flesh and muscle to the bone. These sores occur most frequently on areas of the body that support pressure when in the bed, including, the shoulders, coccyx, buttocks and heels.

Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer Kenneth LaBore

If you have questions about nursing home abuse and neglect and want accountability for preventable bed sores contact Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation. There is no fee unless there is a verdict or settlement offer from the wrongdoer. Mr. LaBore can be reached directly at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Medication Error at Sunlight Senior Leads to MDH Complaint

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 6th January 2017 | Category: Medication Administration Mistakes, Medication Drug Error | RSS Feed

Failure to Administer Antipsychotic Medication Leads to Client’s Hospitalization and MDH Complaint at Sunlight Senior Living in St. Paul

Allegation of Neglect After Failing to Administer Medications at Sunlight Senior

It was alleged in a Minnesota Department of Health report dated August 31, 2016, that Sunlight Senior Living in St. Paul Minnesota failed to administer his/her antipsychotic medications and client’s health severely declined. The client was hospitalized.

Substantiated Complaint Against Sunlight After Antipsychotic Medication is Not Administered to Client

According to the report, based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when the home care provider staff failed to administer a client his/her antipsychotic medication. The client experienced severe decompensation of mental health, was hospitalized and was civilly committed as a person who is mentally ill.

During an interview with the client’s family the MDH was told that the client was happy, excited, met other clients, and used the piano during the first week with this provider. After that week, the family member stated the client had a significant change in mental status. The family member stated the client experienced a panic attack, called every hour speaking in a nonsensical manner, and started swearing and hitting people. The family member stated s/he was not aware the client was out of his/her medication until after the client was hospitalized. See the rest of the report at Sunlight Senior Living MDH Complaint.

If you have any questions about nursing home medication errors or other forms of elder abuse or neglect call Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Resident At Mount Olivet Rolling Acres Suffers Head Injury After Fall

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 8th September 2016 | Category: Failure to Resond to Change in Condition, Fall Injuries | RSS Feed

Resident at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres in Norwood North American Minnesota Suffers Head Injuries After Falls

Head Injury to Resident at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres in Norwood Young America

Based on a report from the Minnesota Department of Health dated August 1, 2016, it is alleged that a resident at Mount Olivet Rolling Acres was neglected when the client had a multiple falls with injuries before the facility staff transferred him/her to the emergency room. The client had two black eyes, multiple bruises, and was diagnosed with small brain bleed.

Mount Olivet Rolling Acres Cited With Neglect After Fall During Transfer of Resident

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the nurse failed to assess the client when the client exhibited a change in behavior accompanied with multiple falls. The client had a subdural hemmorage and was sent to the hospital. The client returned to the facility the same day with physician orders for monitoring and to have the client return to the hospital if further falls occurred. The client was admitted to the hospital with another subdural hemmorage. The client returned to the facility after a ten day hospital stay.

If you have concerns about medication errors, improper use of medical equipment, falls or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

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Oak Hills Living Center Cited With Neglect

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 24th June 2016 | Category: Dehydration, Medication Administration Mistakes | RSS Feed

Oak Hill Living Center in New Ulm Resident Suffers From Medication Reaction, Urinary Tract Infection, Dehydration and Facility Cited by MDH for Failing to Respond to Change in Condition

Failure to Respond to Medication Reaction in Resident at Oak Hills Living Center

In a report from the Minnesota Department of Health, dated May 16, 2016, it is alleged that a resident was neglected when s/he had an allegoric reaction to medication for his/her kidney infection and quit eating, drinking, and became unresponsive. The facility did not seek out emergency services when the resident became unresponsive. The resident was eventually hospitalized and was very dehydrated. In addition, the facility staff is incorrectly administering the resident’s nebulizer treatments.

Failure to Monitor Changing Symptoms and Condition at Oak Hills Living Center

Based on a preponderance of evidence neglect occurred when the facility staff failed to assess and monitor changes in the resident’s condition when the resident exhibited signs and symptoms of upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. In addition, the facility staff failed to notify the resident’s physician and/or the nurse practitioner or the resident’s change in his/her condition. The resident’s family transported the resident to the hospital and the resident required hospitalization for dehydration and kidney failure.

It was the resident’s family not the facility that arranged for transporting the resident to the hospital when the resident became unresponsive. The resident was admitted to the hospital for dehydration and kidney failure.

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