Healthcare Inspection Post-Operative Care Case Review at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System’s Knoxville Division Knoxville, Iowa

The purpose of this review was to determine the validity of the allegations regarding the lack of post-operative care resulting in a patient’s death. A complainant specifically alleged that laboratory studies ordered were never performed, the patient was denied water, and there were inaccuracies in the autopsy report. We concluded that the laboratory studies ordered during the course of his admission were performed. In addition, although the patient complained of dehydration, he received oral fluids regularly with meals and during hydration rounds on every shift. Finally, the autopsy report completed at University of Iowa Hospital did have some documented inaccuracies; however, the information did not impact the care provided or patient outcomes. We made no recommendations.