Failure to Assess and Authorize Self-Administration of Nebulizer Treatments
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including COPD, chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, and dementia was observed receiving a nebulizer treatment alone in his room. The resident reported that staff initiated the nebulizer treatment but did not remain in the room, and he independently removed the face mask and stored it in his nightstand when he believed the treatment was complete. Review of the resident's record showed moderate cognitive impairment and a need for partial/moderate assistance with activities of daily living and transfers. The most recent self-administration assessment did not indicate the resident was safe to self-administer nebulizer treatments, and there was no physician's order authorizing self-administration. The DON confirmed that the resident had not been evaluated for self-administration of nebulizers, and facility policy required a physician order and assessment of the resident's ability prior to self-administration.