Failure to Maintain Sanitary Respiratory Care Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide sanitary respiratory care for two residents requiring respiratory devices. For one resident with a history of pneumonia and moderate cognitive impairment, the nebulizer was observed attached to tubing on the bedside table with liquid remaining in the chamber and had not been separated or rinsed after use. Staff interviews confirmed that the nebulizer should have been cleaned after each treatment, and facility policy required washing, rinsing, disinfecting, and proper storage of the nebulizer equipment after each use. However, these procedures were not followed, and the resident's care plan did not include information regarding nebulizer use. For another resident diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and using a CPAP device, the CPAP mask was observed left attached to the tubing and exposed to open air on the bedside table after use on multiple occasions. The resident's care plan documented CPAP use, but the facility's policy did not address cleaning and storage procedures for the CPAP mask. Staff interviews indicated that the expectation was for the mask to be cleaned and stored in a bag after each use, but this was not done.