A Kansas nurse has pled guilty to intentionally administering the wrong medication to a resident in a nursing home in an apparent attempt to keep the resident sedated. The resident had a diagnosis of dementia with a history of exit-seeking.
In May 2019, administrators of a nursing home in Kansas contacted the police after discovering that a resident had been getting prescribed evening medication along with Ativan and Benadryl. The Ativan and Benadryl were not prescribed by the resident’s physician. The Kansas nurse was later identified by authorities as the nurse administering the unprescribed medications, which was seen on photos and text messages.
In one of the text messages, the Kansas nurse sent a photograph to the oncoming night nurse of the resident slumped over in her wheelchair, apparently sleeping. The text message that accompanied the photo said, “Your (sic) welcome! I hope she is asleep most of the day tomorrow. Hint hint.”
The resident required hospitalization due to lethargy. In an interview with the police, the Kansas nurse admitted to giving the medications to the resident, saying she frequently displayed exit-seeking behavior.
The Kansas nurse has been convicted of endangerment, unlawful administration of a controlled substance and battery. She presently remains free on bond as she awaits sentencing.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
All licensed nurses must be knowledgeable and adhere to the five rights of medication pass at all times. A medication that is administered to a resident that was not prescribed by a physician or a physician extender can be seen as a form of abuse. The nurse who administers medications that are not prescribed can face legal actions, including the termination of his or her nursing license.
Discussion Points
- Review your policy and procedures for medication administration. Update your policy as needed.
- Train all licensed nursing staff on your policy and procedure for medication administration. Use a competency checklist addressing appropriate medication administration upon hire and at least annually for each licensed nurse. Document that the training and the competency check has been conducted and file the signed document in the employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that competency checks are being completed and that each licensed nurse is qualified to safely administer medications.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC VIEW: DEMENTIA MANAGEMENT – DEALING WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS and ELOPEMENT RISK AND PREVENTION MEASURES.
