HospitalInspections.org

Bringing transparency to federal inspections

16453 COLORADO AVENUE

PARAMOUNT, CA null

PATIENT RIGHTS: FREE FROM ABUSE/HARASSMENT

Tag No.: A0145

Based on observation, record review and interview, the facility failed to ensure a staff member treated a patient (Patient 51) in a dignified manner. This failure had the potential to result in feelings of frustration and loss of dignity for the patient.

Findings:

On 4/14/17 at 9:30 a.m., during a tour of Unit 3 with RN 1 and the Facilities Chief Operational Officer (COO), Registered Nurse (RN) 19 was observed at Patient 51's bedside. The patient was moaning loudly in Spanish. RN 19, who was applying a Lidoderm Patch (a local anesthetic/ pain reliever that is absorbed through the skin and works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals), was overheard telling Patient 51, "I gave you your pain medication. It shouldn't be hurting."

A review of Patient 51's clinical record, indicated the patient was admitted to the facility on with diagnoses that included right foot wound

On 4/14/17 at 11:10 a.m., an interview was conducted with RN 19. When the surveyor repeated what she had overheard, RN 19 denied making the statement, then stated, "I gave his pain medication at 9 a.m., before his wound care. I told him it [pain medication] would take 30 minutes to work." RN 19 then stated, "He started yelling, maybe to get more attention. I went to the nurses station in order to get a translator, but couldn't find anyone."

At 11:20 a.m. the same day, when informed about the interview with RN 19 and what RN 19 had been overheard saying, RN 1 (Director of Patient Care Services) did not respond.