Failure to Store CPAP Mask in a Sanitary Manner
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask was stored in a sanitary manner when not in use. The resident, who had a medical history including multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic conditions, was observed resting on her bed with the CPAP mask placed on the bed and stuffed between the side rail and her low air-loss mattress. The resident reported that she removed the mask herself and was not provided with a bag for storage, nor was she informed by staff about the need to store the mask in a sanitary way. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA, a licensed nurse, and an administrative nurse, confirmed that respiratory equipment was expected to be stored in a plastic bag when not in use, and that such bags were available in resident rooms. However, the facility did not provide a policy regarding the storage of respiratory equipment, and the resident's care plan lacked instructions for cleaning and storing the CPAP mask. This lapse in practice was identified during a review of the resident's records and direct observation.