Posts Tagged ‘Wound Care’

Page 1 of 212 »

Stage IV Pressure Sore Suffered by Resident at the Estates at Bloomington

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 19th March 2017 | Category: Pressure Ulcers, Wound Care | RSS Feed

NPUAP Stage 4 Pressure Injury with Epibole – Neglect at Golden Living Center Bloomington AKA the Estates at Bloomington

Substantiated Neglect After Serious Pressure Sores at the Estates at Bloomington

In a report dated August 25, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health cited Golden LivingCenter in Bloomington now know as the Estates at Bloomington with neglect after a resident developed a stage IV pressure ulcer at the facility.

Pressure Ulcer Wounds Develop for Resident at the Estates at Bloomington

Based on a preponderance of the evidence, neglect occurred when the facility failed to adequately assess, monitor, and implement interventions to prevent and heal pressure ulcers. The resident re-developed coccyx/buttocks pressure ulcers, which worsened.

The resident was admitted to the facility with a sacral pressure ulcer. Staff implemented interventions to prevent the development of additional pressure ulcers. Over the next several months, the sacral pressure ulcer healed, re-developed, and healed again. New interventions were implemented; however, the resident’s care plan, and direct care staff aside sheet were not kept up to date with instructions for direct staff on how frequently to turn and reposition the resident.

Approximately two months after the last pressure ulcer healed, the resident developed two stage two pressure ulcers to her/his coccyx/buttocks. Staff did not notify or obtain orders for treatment from the physician until 28 days later, when the ulcers had worsened and resident had four open areas to her/his buttocks. One week later, the resident went to the hospital due to a decrease in responsiveness and a temperature of 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the records, the hospital admitted the resident with a diagnosis of sepsis as well as a catheter associated urinary tract infection. Upon admission into the hospital, the resident’s pressure ulcers had necrotic tissue with surrounding skin cellulitis. The sacral bone was exposed.

When interviewed, the nurse practitioner stated s/he had never previously examined the resident’s pressure ulcers due to resident refusals. The nurse practitioner was not informed of the pressure ulcers redevelopment until approximately one month after staff observed the new pressure ulcers. The nurse practitioner indicated the facility’s lack of monitoring, and delay in treatment contributed to the worsening of the resident’s pressure ulcers.

The resident did not return to the facility.

Report Suspected Neglect Pressure Ulcers and Wounds – the Estates at Bloomington

Click Here For Link To Report Abuse To Adult Protection

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 or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Minnesota Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore toll free at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com.

Disclaimer

Free Consultation on Issues of Elder Abuse and Neglect Serving all of Minnesota Toll Free 1-888-452-6589

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.

__________________________

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.

__________________________

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.

Disclaimer

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 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.

Disclaimer

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.

Disclaimer

Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 31st January 2017 | Category: Inadequate Staffing/Training, Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, Pressure Ulcers, Wound Care | RSS Feed

Minnesota Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer

Elder care nursing home bedsore lawyer cases usually involve a pressure sore or ulcer also known as bedsore which started or worsened due to a lack of care. Disabled residents require assistance with many activities of daily living including in many situations turning and repositioning themselves in bed. Many pressure sores can be prevented or diminished if there is pressure relief from areas likely to develop wounds such as the back, rear-end/coccyx, and heels.

Often times pressure sores and ulcers occur due to a lack of well trained staff, particularly nursing aides. According to federal regulations, the facility must have sufficient nursing staff with the appropriate competencies and skills sets to provide nursing and related services to assure resident safety and attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, as determined by resident assessments and individual plans of care and considering the number, acuity and diagnoses of the facility’s resident population in accordance with the facility assessment required at §483.70(e).

(a) Sufficient staff. (1) The facility must provide services by sufficient numbers of each of the following types of personnel on a 24-hour basis to provide nursing care to all residents in accordance with resident care plans.

Federal and State Regulations Summary From Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer

Federal regulations mandate that 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.

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.

Nursing Home Bedsore 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.

Disclaimer

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.

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

Disclaimer

Keystone Highland Park Cited with Neglect Concerning Wound Care

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 30th August 2016 | Category: Wound Care | RSS Feed

Keystone Highland Park Cited With Inadequate Wound Care of Resident

Wound Care Issues Lead to MDH Complaint at Keystone Highland Park in St. Paul

In a report dated June 24, 2016, it is alleged that a client was neglected at Keystone Highland Park when the facility failed to follow the physician’s orders regarding wound care and also did not provide adequate personal cares for the client. The facility was not tracking the treatment of wound care. The client’s wound has worsened.

Keystone Highland Park Cited Concerning Wound Care Problems

Based on the preponderance of evidence, neglect of health care occurred when the facility failed to provide the necessary care and treatment for the client’s sacral wound on a consistent basis, which contributed to the client’s wound worsening and requiring the client to be hospitalized.

The client was admitted to the facility with a sacral ulcer that measured 2 cm by 1 cm. The client was incontinent of urine and required assistance with toileting and stand-by-assist with ambulation.

The client had physician’s orders on admission for daily wound care that included applying a wound product and covering the wound with a dressing. An outside home care agency was also involved in providing the wound care three times a week. There was no evidence the licensee coordinated the treatment of the client’s wound with the outside home care agency to ensure that the wound treatment was done a daily basis. There was no evidence that the licensee completed the client’s wound treatment for the first seven days the client was at the facility. The outside home care agency two times during the first seven days.

The client’s care plan on admission identified the client had an open area to the left of the midline, but lacked direction to staff to assist/remind the client to keep off the open area to relieve pressure to the area.

If you have concerns about inadequate wound care, 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.

Disclaimer

Bethany Residence Cited with Neglect After Resident Suffers Wounds

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 4th August 2016 | Category: Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Wound Care Issues at Bethany Residence and Rehab in Minneapolis

Bethany Residence in Minneapolis Alleged Neglect Wound Care

In a report dated August 1, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a resident at Bethany Residence was neglect when staff failed to properly monitor and follow physician’s orders for caring of the resident’s wound. The resident is currently hospitalized for treatment of the wound.

Finding of Neglect Against Bethany Residence

Based on the preponderance of the evidence neglect did occur when the staff failed to follow a physician’s order for wound care. The staff did not complete the resident’s wound care for four days. The would became infected and the resident was hospitalized as a result of the infection.

The resident had a diagnoses including venous insufficiency, and chronic stasis ulcer on the right ankle. The resident had lived at the facility for several years. The physician’s order for care to the ulcer on the resident’s ankle included daily application of Santyl (a medicated ointment) and to cover the wound with adhesive foam. A nurse did not change the dressing on 8/10/2015, 8/11/2015, and on August 14, 2015 another nurse caring for the wound observed a foul odor, the skin was swollen and pink, and insects were observed on the wound. The resident was immediately sent to the hospital for care of the wound, the wound improved, and the resident returned to the facility.

The nurse that had not changed the dressing was interviewed and said she did not change the dressing and though the order was to check that the dressing was in place instead of changing the dressing. When the error was discovered, the facility re-educated the nurse.

The physician, a wound care physician specialist, was interviewed, he noted that the resident’s wound was chronic and had been slow to heal. He stated that the error of not changing the dressing for 3 days would have been significant in developing an infection.

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.

Disclaimer

Valleyview Owatonna Neglect Substantiated

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 15th April 2015 | Category: Wound Care | RSS Feed

Valleyview Owatonna Complaint for Failing to Respond to Change in Wound Condition

Valleyview Owatonna Complaint Findings for Neglect

In a report concluded on January 10, 2013, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Valleyview Owatonna for neglect of health care – wound.

Based on the preponderance of evidence neglect is substantiated. Neglect occurred when the facility failed to assess, monitor and implement physician’s orders related to post-operative follow-up care of the client’s left ankle incision after the sutures were removed. The client required two surgeries for irrigation and debridement of the incision due to infection.

Substantiated Neglect Valleyview Owatonna – Failure to Assess and Monitor

State and federal regulations require that a nursing home facility monitor residents for changes in condition and take action to intervene on their behalf. When providing wound care, the wound must be carefully monitored by qualified nursing or medical professionals to see if the wound is healing or expanding, getting infected or some other change which would require a change in the treatment plan and care being provided to the resident. The assessment of the skin condition including wounds is part of the admissions and regular care plan review for the resident.

According to 42 CFR 483.20(2) the assessment including a skin assessment must be performed subject to the timeframes prescribed in § 413.343(b) of this chapter, a facility must conduct a comprehensive assessment of a resident in accordance with the timeframes specified in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) through (iii) of this section. The timeframes prescribed in § 413.343(b) of this chapter do not apply to CAHs.

(i) Within 14 calendar days after admission, excluding readmissions in which there is no significant change in the resident’s physical or mental condition. (For purposes of this section, “readmission” means a return to the facility following a temporary absence for hospitalization or for therapeutic leave.)

(ii) Within 14 calendar days after the facility determines, or should have determined, that there has been a significant change in the resident’s physical or mental condition. (For purposes of this section, a “significant change” means a major decline or improvement in the resident’s status that will not normally resolve itself without further intervention by staff or by implementing standard disease-related clinical interventions, that has an impact on more than one area of the resident’s health status, and requires interdisciplinary review or revision of the care plan, or both.)

(iii) Not less often than once every 12 months

If you have concerns about pressure sore, wounds 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.

Disclaimer

Cottage Grove White Pines II Cottage Grove – Pressure Sores Wound Injuries

Written By: Kenneth LaBore | Published On: 10th March 2015 | Category: Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers, Financial Exploitation, Pressure Ulcers | RSS Feed

Pressure Sores Lead to Substantiated Complaint Against Cottage Grove White Pines II

Substantiated Complaint After Pressure Sores at Cottage Grove White Pines II

In a report dated December 20, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Health alleged that a client at Cottage Grove White Pines II was neglected when s/he developed a stage four pressure ulcer while at the facility.

Pressure Sore Ulcers at Cottage Grove White Pines II

Based on a preponderance of evidence, neglect occurred when staff failed to assess a client for a decline in condition and for skin concerns, which resulted in the client developing pressure ulcers. The client experienced a large sacral (upper buttock) pressure ulcer and a pressure ulcer on each of his/her heels after a significant weight loss.

The client had received services from the home care provider for three months. The client required assistance of one person with toileting every two hours, reassurance checks every two hours, shower with a skin check twice a week, dressing/grooming twice a day, and ambulation/escorts. During the client’s three month stay, the client experienced a decline in physical strength and was no longer able to ambulate. Approximately two months after admission, the client experienced a forty pound weight loss.

Ten days prior to discharge, an unlicensed staff member notified the registered nurse (RN) of the client’s skin concerns, observed during a bath, related to his/her sacrum and heels. The concerns were signed off by the RN, however, an assessment was not completed. Two days prior to discharge, the RN observed the areas of concerns due to a report of the sacrum having an open wound. The RN updated the client’s physician regarding a wound to his/her buttocks and right heel. Orders were received for wound care services from an outside agency. The following day the RN initiated heel protectors to be worn by the client. On the day of the client’s discharge, the RN completed a wound assessment with the agency wound care nurse. The wound care nurse determined the client required hospitalization due to possible infection. The client transferred to the hospital, required surgical debridement of large sacral ulcer and required a wound vacuum for treatment, as well as intravenous antibiotics for infection. The client also had a large ulcer on his/her right heel and a smaller ulcer on the left heel. The client continued to decline and died thirty-two days later. The cause of death was listed as Alzheimer’s.

During interviews, unlicensed staff stated the client had a redness of the sacral area for several weeks prior to the client’s hospitalization. Staff stated the nurses were updated, the client was repositioned every two hours, and cream was applied to area.

During an interview, the RN stated the client’s sacrum was for red three to four days prior to it opening. The day the RN observed the wound, s/he described the wound as about the size of an eraser. The RN also stated the client was repositioned every two hours and it was standard to reposition all clients at that frequency. The RN stated s/he usually assess skin concerns on the bath sheets, but did not recall doing a follow up or assessment of the initial skin concern. The RN also explained that the clients’ weights are reviewed by a nurse at the end of each month, however this client’s forty weight loss was missed. A nutritional supplement was started because the client’s appetite was poor. The RN stated a significant weight loss would warrant a change in condition assessment, but one was not completed.

During an interview, the hospital wound surgeon stated the sacral wound appeared chronic and there was no fast bacteria present that would cause rapid deterioration. The client was evaluated by the surgeon and underwent surgical debridement two days after hospital admission. The surgeon described the wound as large, ten centimeters (cm) by fifteen cm necrotic (black, dead) tissue and undermining. The wound was infected with multiple organisms. The surgeon stated the wound could not have been transitioned from a pinpoint opening to a large open wound in thirty-six to forty-eight hours.

During an interview with the client’s family, the family member stated s/he was not made aware of the pressure ulcer by the home care provider until the day of discharge. The family member explained the agency wound care nurse described the wound as severe and client required hospitalization. At the hospital, the family member was made aware by hospital staff that the client experienced a forty pound weight loss. After the surgery, the family member stated the surgeon described the wound as about the size of grapefruit with depth to the bone.

Medication Theft Drug Diversion from Client of Cottage Grove White Pines II

Cottage Grove White Pines II Cottage Grove Complaint Findings for Exploitation after Medication Theft

In a report concluded on March 17, 2014, the Minnesota Department of Health cites Cottage Grove White Pines II Cottage Grove for exploitation – staff.

It is alleged that financial exploitation occurred when a staff, alleged perpetrator (AP) took three tablets of a client’s narcotic medication without permission.

Substantiated Financial Exploitation Allegation Against Cottage Grove White Pines II Cottage Grove Minnesota

A preponderance of evidence established that financial exploitation did occur. The AP took three tablets of Oxycotin (a narcotic pain medication) that belonged to the client without the client’s permission. In addition, the AP took one tablet of Tramadol (an analgesic pain medication) that belonged to an additional client (client name unknown), without the client’s permission.

The police report indicated the AP stated s/he had a drug addiction and was addicted to pain killers. The AP stated the first theft took place right after being hired by the home care provider. The AP state that sometime in September of 2013 s/he took one Tramadol pill that belonged to another client. In addition, the AP admitted to the police that s/he took three Oxycotin pills that belonged to the client, that were noted to be missing when the narcotic medications were counted.

If you have concerns about medication mistakes, pressure sores or any other form of elder abuse or neglect contact Elder Abuse Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or toll free at 1-888-452-6589 or by email at KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com

Disclaimer

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

Page 1 of 212 »