Failure to Maintain Clean Respiratory Equipment and Administer Oxygen as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain cleanliness and proper infection control regarding respiratory care equipment for three residents, as well as failed to provide oxygen therapy according to physician's orders for one resident. Observations revealed that oxygen concentrators for all three residents had a significant accumulation of a white, fluffy substance and dried liquid on their surfaces, which persisted over multiple days. Additionally, one resident's nasal cannula was found on the floor, and the resident was not receiving oxygen as ordered by the physician. The clinical records for these residents included diagnoses such as hypertension, anxiety, hypothyroidism, COPD, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory failure, with physician orders specifying weekly maintenance and cleaning of oxygen equipment. Staff interviews confirmed that the oxygen concentrators should have been kept clean and that oxygen therapy should have been administered as prescribed. The LPN interviewed acknowledged the presence of the white substance and dried liquid on the equipment, as well as the failure to ensure the resident was receiving oxygen and that the nasal cannula was not on the floor. These findings indicate lapses in following physician orders and facility policies related to respiratory care and infection control.