Failure to Properly Store Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage of respiratory equipment for a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Multiple observations over several days showed that the resident's nebulizer mouthpiece and tubing were repeatedly left unbagged on top of the nebulizer machine or placed in an unlabeled plastic trash bag. The equipment was not stored in accordance with facility policy, which requires respiratory supplies to be bagged, labeled with the resident's name, and dated when not in use. The resident was observed in her room, either in her wheelchair or resting in bed, with the equipment improperly stored each time. Interviews with staff, including an LPN and the DON, confirmed that the expected practice was to rinse, dry, and store the nebulizer mouthpiece and tubing in a labeled bag. The resident herself acknowledged awareness of the need to bag the equipment but cited difficulty due to poor finger dexterity. Record review indicated the resident was cognitively intact and had orders for regular nebulizer treatments. Despite these requirements and staff knowledge of proper procedures, the equipment was not consistently stored as required.