Vero Health & Rehab of Sylva

In the surveyor’s words

From the most serious findings on record at Vero Health & Rehab of Sylva, in the surveyor’s own words.

• Immediate jeopardy, patternF690Jul 30, 2024

  Based on record review, observations, and interviews with staff, Nurse Practitioner, Medical Director, and urology office staff the facility failed to follow up with the Urologist for Resident #49 who was hospitalized for obstructing ureteral stones (kidney stones that get stuck in tubes composed of smooth muscle that transport the urine from the kidneys to the bladder) with hydronephrosis (swelling of one or both kidneys due to urine build up), urinary tract infection (UTI), pyelonephritis (an infection of the kidneys) and (a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection). […]

• Immediate jeopardy, patternF689May 22, 2024

  Based on observation, record reviews and visitor, family, staff, and Medical Director interviews, the facility failed to enforce their smoking policy, monitor a resident who had a history of non-compliance with the smoking policy for storage of smoking materials, and implement interventions to prevent a resident from vaping in his room with his oxygen on and while his roommate (Resident #6) was in the room. Resident #8, who was on oxygen, was found to have a vape pen in his possession on 2/2/24, 2/16/24, and 3/1/24, and was observed vaping while on oxygen on 3/1/24. An electronic cigarette or vape pen (vaporizer) is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It contains a heating element which reaches high temperatures and can ignite nasal cannula with oxygen flowing. […]

• Immediate jeopardy, isolatedF580May 22, 2024

  Based on record reviews, and interviews with resident, staff and the Medical Director, the facility failed to notify a medical provider of significant changes in a resident's condition (Resident #8) who was observed to be unresponsive to painful stimuli, having low oxygen saturation level and pupil constriction. Nurse #14 suspected drug overdose and administered one dose of Naloxone, also known as Narcan (a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose in an emergency situation) on [DATE] at 9:34 AM and an additional dose at 9:54 AM without notifying a medical provider. Resident #8 responded temporarily to the Narcan doses but at 3:50 PM, he was observed with no heart rate or respiratory rate and was pronounced dead. […]

• Immediate jeopardy, isolatedF600May 22, 2024

  Based on record reviews, and interviews with staff and the Medical Director, the facility failed to protect a resident's right to be free from neglect when they failed to provide care and services to a resident experiencing a medical emergency. The facility failed to activate emergency response for Resident #8 who was observed to be unresponsive to painful stimuli, having low oxygen saturation level and pupil constriction. Nurse #14 administered two doses of Naloxone, also known as Narcan (a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose in an emergency situation) on [DATE] at 9:34 AM and 9:54 AM, with positive response, for suspicion of drug overdose. At 3:50 PM, Resident #8 was observed with no heart rate or respiratory rate and was pronounced dead. […]

• Immediate jeopardy, isolatedF684May 22, 2024

  Based on record reviews, and interviews with staff and the Medical Director, the facility failed to initiate emergency medical services for symptoms of a drug overdose. Resident #8 was slumped over, non-responsive with constricted pupils and impaired respirations. Resident #8 was observed by a facility staff member with no heart rate or respiratory rate and was pronounced dead on [DATE] at 3:50 PM. This deficient practice affected 1 of 3 residents reviewed for quality of care (Resident #8). Immediate jeopardy began on [DATE] when the facility failed to initiate emergency medical services. Immediate jeopardy was removed on [DATE] when the facility implemented a credible allegation of immediate jeopardy removal. […]