HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record review, policy review and interview, the nursing staff did not implement the facility's seizure precaution protocol for Patient #1. This has the potential to negatively impact patient care.

Findings include:

Review of facility Seizure Precaution Protocol stated the following:
· Assess the patient's seizure history and knowledge of precipitating factors (e.g. emotional stressors, concurrent illness or injury, missed doses of AED (anti-epileptic drugs), flashing lights. Note the frequency of seizures, presence and type of aura, and body parts affected, if known. Use the family as a resource, if necessary.
· Determine the patient's medical and surgical conditions, including electrolyte disturbances such as hypoglycemia and hyperkalemia, heart disease, excess fatigue, and other neurologic disorders.
· Assess the therapeutic drug levels of AED's, if test results are available.
· Pad the side rails and head of bed.
· Assemble the needed supplies at the bedside: oral/nasal airway, oxygen, suction, pulse oximetry, BP monitoring equipment.

Review of Nursing Admission for Patient #1 dated 8/31/17 at 2:35 AM revealed a history of seizure disorder. There is no evidence of a nursing plan of care or further nursing assessment related to the patient's seizure disorder. In addition, there was no evidence to indicate the facility's seizure precaution protocol was implemented.

Interview with Staff (A), Quality; (B), Nursing and (C), Quality on 10/17/17 at 2:00 PM verified that seizure precaution protocol was not initiated or followed by nursing staff.