Failure to Maintain Sanitary Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain respiratory equipment in a sanitary manner for a resident with multiple respiratory diagnoses, including respiratory failure, COPD, emphysema, and heart failure. The resident was dependent on staff for mobility and unable to reposition herself or reach her nightstand. Observations revealed that the oxygen concentrator used by the resident was covered with debris on multiple occasions. Additionally, the nebulizer and CPAP masks were found lying uncovered and exposed to the environment on the resident's nightstand, rather than being stored in protective bags as required. Interviews with the resident and staff confirmed that the resident could not independently manage her respiratory equipment and that nurses were responsible for placing and removing the masks. Staff acknowledged that the masks had been left uncovered and that there was confusion regarding responsibility for cleaning the oxygen concentrator and bagging the masks. The unit manager confirmed the findings after reviewing photographic evidence and stated that staff were expected to keep the equipment clean and properly stored. The facility was unable to provide a policy related to oxygen equipment maintenance and storage when requested.