Failure to Timely Replace Nasal Cannula for Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection control measures when a resident's nasal cannula, which is used for oxygen administration, was not replaced in accordance with the facility's policy and the resident's physician order. During an observation, it was noted that the nasal cannula in use was dated from a previous week, indicating it had not been changed as required. The resident's order summary specified that the nasal cannula tubing should be changed and dated weekly if in use, and the facility's policy also required weekly changes or as needed if soiled or contaminated. A licensed vocational nurse confirmed that the nasal cannula should have been changed weekly to prevent infection, but this was not done, resulting in non-compliance with infection control protocols.