Improper Storage and Management of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper storage and management of respiratory equipment for a resident with significant respiratory diagnoses, including COPD, chronic respiratory failure, and pulmonary fibrosis. Multiple observations revealed that oxygen tubing and nebulizer equipment were not consistently dated or stored in accordance with facility policy and physician orders. Specifically, oxygen tubing was found undated and unbagged, draped over the concentrator, and nebulizer equipment was repeatedly observed unbagged and left on the bedside or overbed table. Some equipment was found in bags, but the bags or tubing were not always dated as required. Review of the resident's medical record confirmed orders for regular changing and proper storage of oxygen tubing and nebulizer equipment, with specific instructions to change tubing and humidifier bottles weekly and to document these changes. Interviews with LPNs indicated that equipment should be cleaned, air dried, and stored in dated bags, but observations did not consistently reflect this practice. The facility's policy also required tubing to be replaced per manufacturer and facility schedule, documented, and stored in plastic bags with dates, which was not consistently followed for this resident.