Failure to Label Yankauer Suction Catheter with Change Date
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident who was ventilator-dependent and required frequent suctioning did not have their Yankauer suction catheter properly labeled with the date it was to be changed next. The resident had a history of respiratory failure, severe cognitive impairment, and required total assistance with all activities of daily living. Physician's orders and the care plan specified suctioning every two hours and as needed, with interventions to minimize infection risk, including regular equipment changes and labeling. During observation, the resident's Yankauer suction catheter was found inside an opened storage bag without a label indicating the date it was to be changed. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Sub Acute confirmed that facility policy required daily changes of respiratory equipment, with labeling to indicate the next change date and staff initials. The absence of this label meant staff could not verify when the catheter was last changed, which was inconsistent with professional standards and facility policy, and placed the resident at risk for infection from potentially contaminated equipment.