Q:
I have NPO resident on tube feeding. He coughed during trials of nectar thick liquids per speech therapy. Should the MDS be coded for swallow problems? The RD says directions on the MDS RAI manual say “do not code if interventions are successful in treating problem.” Successful intervention is NPO, she says. The other interventions, ie nectar thick liquids, were not orders but, for assessment purposes.
A:
RAI pg K-1 Planning for Care states when necessary, the resident should be evaluated by the physician, SLP and/or OT to assess for any need for swallowing therapy and/or to provide recommendations regarding the consistency of food and liquids. Even though the patient is NPO, the trials to achieve the patient goal for oral consumption can be reported in Section K of the MDS.
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Blog by Stacy Baker, OTR/L, CHC, RAC-CT, Proactive Medical Review
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