Improper Storage of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident who required respiratory care, including nebulizer treatments, did not have her breathing mask properly stored according to professional standards and facility policy. The resident, who was cognitively intact and had a diagnosis of cough and anemia, was observed with her breathing mask left on top of her bedside table after use, rather than being placed in a plastic bag as required. The resident reported that she had not yet received her morning breathing treatment and was unsure where the nurse placed the mask after previous treatments. Later, the mask was observed inside a plastic bag, but it was not clear when this occurred. Interviews with staff confirmed that the expectation was for the breathing mask to be bagged when not in use to prevent cross-contamination and infection. The nurse responsible for the resident's care acknowledged that she had likely forgotten to bag the mask after the previous treatment and confirmed that the mask should be placed in a bag when not in use. Facility policy also required that respiratory equipment be bagged and labeled if it was to be used again. This lapse in following proper storage procedures for respiratory equipment constituted a failure to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care consistent with professional standards and the resident's care plan.