Medication Management Deficiencies in LTC Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly manage pharmaceutical services, resulting in several deficiencies. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) did not document the administration of medications for a resident, which could lead to medication errors such as double dosing. Another LPN administered an inhaler to a resident without following the pharmacy's instructions to wait between puffs, potentially affecting the medication's absorption and effectiveness. Additionally, a resident's medications were administered late without notifying the doctor, which could disrupt therapeutic levels necessary for managing the resident's illnesses. Furthermore, during a review of the medication cart and room, a bottle of Ferrous Sulfate was found without an expiration date, raising concerns about its efficacy and safety. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that medications without expiration dates should be removed to prevent potential adverse effects. The facility's Medication Administration Policy emphasizes timely administration and proper documentation, which were not adhered to in these instances, leading to the identified deficiencies.