Failure to Timely Change Respiratory Equipment for a Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow its policy and procedure regarding the timely replacement of respiratory equipment for a resident requiring breathing treatments. Specifically, a face mask used for nebulizer treatments was observed on a resident's bedside stand with a date indicating it had not been changed for over a month, despite facility policy requiring such equipment to be changed every seven days. This was confirmed during an interview with a Licensed Vocational Nurse, who stated that the face mask should be changed weekly for infection control purposes. The resident's medical orders also specified that the nasal cannula or mask should be changed every seven days. The resident involved had a history of end stage renal disease, dependence on renal dialysis, and anemia, and required partial to moderate assistance with activities of daily living. The resident was cognitively intact and able to communicate needs. The Director of Nursing confirmed that staff are expected to change respiratory equipment weekly and as needed, and acknowledged that failure to do so could result in infection. Review of the facility's policy further supported the requirement for weekly changes of oxygen delivery devices and proper storage when not in use.