page 2-8 of the manual specifically talks about weight loss as a Sign. Change criteria if the only change. It says "An SCSA is appropriate if there are either two or more areas of decline or two or more areas of improvement. In this example, a resident with a 5% weight loss in 30 days would not generally require a significant change reassessment, unless a second area of decline accompanies it. Note that this answer assumes that the care plan has already been modified to actively treat the weight lass as opposed to conitnuing with the original problem, "Potential for weight loss." This situation should be documented in the resident's clinical record along with the plan for subsequent monitoring and if the problem persists or worsens, a comprehensive RAI reassessment may be clinically indicated."
So, weight loss, pressure ulcer, foley, feeding tube alone do not automatically require a SCSA. But it is important to take a really good look at that resident to make sure that there are no other areas of decline. If the cause of the weight loss is not apparent and interventions have failed to improve the weight status, it would make good clinical sense to do another comprehensive assessment.
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Mar 2, 2004 7:52 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Reasons for Sig. Changes
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Mar 2, 2004 7:52 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Reasons for Sig. Changes
Hello All,
I have a question to pose to the group. It may sound silly, but I have always been under the impression that if you have a resident with a significant weight loss, you do a Sig. Change. Also, for new stage 3 or 4 pressure area or a new restraint. I thought all of these should stand alone for a Sig. Change. Here at work recently, some people have really been questioning and trying to get out of doing the changes. I would rather have the Sig. Changes than try to explain why I didn't do one to the surveyors. On our recent annual survey we had done a Sig. Change on a lady, then three months later she got a lap buddy restraint. Surveyors cited us for not doing another change. Sorta slipped through the cracks. All info and opinions would be greatly appreciated. You all are a great resource.
Susan Gibbs, RN
MDS Coordinator
Presbyterian Homes of TN
