An investigation has been launched following the death of a nursing home resident, who was left chocking for nearly 20 minutes by a nurse.
A citation was given to a nursing home in Kentucky, prompting an investigation by the office of the attorney general. The investigation will determine if nursing home negligence is what led to the death of the elderly resident.
According to the citation that was filed, the inspector claimed that state regulations for nursing home safety had been violated resulting in a dangerous environment for those living in the nursing facility.
Records show that the now-deceased patient was admitted into the nursing home just ten days before the choking incident. The resident, who was on a diet that allowed for only pureed foods, was heard making gurgling noises by a member of the nursing home's staff.
The citation states that the staff member, a licensed practical nurse, entered the patient's room and asked the resident if she was choking to which she replied no. The nurse then left the room and did not inform any other members of the staff of the patient's condition. The patient was left alone in her room for nearly 20 minutes as the nurse cleaned a suctioning machine. Records show, however, that an emergency cart at the nursing home had already been equipped with a clean suctioning machine.
The nurse, according to the citation, re-entered the patient's room with the suctioning machine and began to suction the patient, but that failed to stop the patient's choking. A registered nurse was brought into the room and administered CPR after it was discovered that the patient still had a pulse. The patient was taken to the emergency room where she died, with the cause of death reported as aspiration pneumonia.
The citation is currently being investigated and could lead to prosecution. It will be interesting to see whether the family of the patient will decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit, as the circumstances surrounding the patient's death appear as though they could be related to medical malpractice.
If you believe a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, neglect or medical malpractice, click here to contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates or call us toll-free at 1-800-541-9376 for a free legal consultation.
