MARIETTA CENTER
LOCATED: 117 BARTLETT STREET, MARIETTA, OH 45750
MARIETTA CENTER was cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:
PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey submitted by DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES. The full report/survey can be found here.

FACILITY FAILED TO SUPERVISE ONE RESIDENT TO ENSURE SWALLOWING SAFETY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PHYSICIAN’S PRESCRIBED DIET ORDER

LEVEL OF HARM – IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY

Based on medical record review, review of the emergency medical transportation report, review of the emergency room report, staff interview and medical director interview, the facility failed to supervise one resident to ensure swallowing safety in accordance with the physician’s prescribed diet order. This resulted in Immediate Jeopardy for one (Resident #106) of six sampled residents of the 32 residents who resided on the Solana Unit (secured unit). Resident #106 choked while consuming peanut butter, required the Heimlich maneuver, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and hospital transfer. The resident expired. 

Continuing: On [DATE] at 4:15 P.M., the Administrator and Director of Nursing (DON) were notified Immediate Jeopardy began on [DATE] at 12:00 P.M. when Resident #106 obtained a bowl of peanut butter from the Solana Unit kitchenette without staff knowledge. The resident ate the peanut butter, choked and required immediate staff intervention. The resident was transported to the hospital via emergency medical transport and expired at the hospital.

Continuing: Review of the Emergency Transport Report dated [DATE] revealed the service was notified of the need for transport at 12:05 P.M. and arrived at the scene at 12:07 P.M. The patient narrative revealed upon arrival to the unit, the nurses were doing CPR and using an Ambu (placed over mouth to provide ventilation) bag. The resident was eating peanut butter and apparently choked. The emergency transporters applied a cardiac monitor and the rhythm revealed asystole (no heartbeat) and CPR was continued. The resident had a massive amount of peanut butter in her mouth and airway and intubation could not be successful due to the blockage and suction was also ineffective. The emergency transporters were able to insert a nasal airway and provide air movement but there was no change in the cardiac rhythm. Review of the emergency room documentation dated [DATE], revealed the resident arrived in cardiac arrest after eating peanut butter and apparently choked. The documentation also revealed the emergency transporters were unable to place an airway due to peanut butter obscuring the visualization. Assessment of the mouth revealed peanut butter covering the resident ‘ s lips and most of the posterior pharynx (back of the throat).

Continuing: This deficiency substantiated allegations contained in Complaint Number OH 453. This deficiency is also an example of continued non-compliance from the annual survey completed [DATE].

Personal Note from NHAA Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.

You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately. We can help you file a state complaint, hire a specialized nursing home attorney or help you find a more suitable location for your loved one.

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