Re: Reasons for Sig. Changes

[Corey Ali]

Kind of depends on the reason for the weight loss, and whether there was another significant change in another area.  For example, if you had a wt. loss and developed a skin ulcer, or had a decline in ADL's or continence, etc., you'd do a wt. loss.  But if you had a wt. loss due to the flu, and you expected them to handle it and recover, you wouldn't do the significant change.  And, of course, the old standard:  Look at your care plans.  Do they address the patient as s/he exists now?  If not, can you just add a line or two, or do you need a whole new care plan or more.  If you need to redo the care plan, you need to do a significant change assessment. Corey ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 10:52 PM 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   --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.601 / Virus Database: 382 - Release Date: 2/29/2004