Failure to Label and Change Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper labeling and timely replacement of respiratory equipment for two residents receiving oxygen therapy. Resident R11 was observed using a nasal cannula that was not labeled with the date it was changed, and the oxygen tubing and humidifier bottle were not changed weekly as required. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility's policy mandates labeling the humidifier bottle with the date of change and replacing the nasal cannula weekly to prevent infection. R11, who has a diagnosis of shortness of breath and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was receiving oxygen therapy at 2-3 liters per minute, and the facility's policy requires changing the equipment every Wednesday night shift. Similarly, Resident R79, diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, was found with a nasal cannula that was not dated, and the humidification bottle was last dated over a week prior. The Registered Nurse confirmed that the oxygen tubing and humidification bottle should be changed weekly on the night shift and dated accordingly. These lapses in following the facility's oxygen therapy policy were identified during the survey, affecting the quality of care provided to the residents.