Failure to Properly Store Respiratory Equipment and Post Oxygen Use Signage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care to residents requiring such services, as evidenced by improper storage of nebulizer mouthpieces and lack of required oxygen use signage. For one resident with diabetes and shortness of breath, observations revealed the nebulizer mouthpiece was left exposed on a bedside dresser and on the bed, rather than being stored in a plastic bag as required. Another resident with COPD and multiple comorbidities also had a nebulizer mouthpiece left unbagged on the bedside table during multiple observations. In both cases, the DON confirmed that the mouthpieces should have been stored in bags when not in use. Additionally, a resident with morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes, COPD, and other conditions was observed receiving continuous oxygen therapy without any signage posted outside the room to indicate oxygen was in use and that smoking was prohibited. The DON confirmed that such signage should have been present. These failures were identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews, and involved three residents who required respiratory care.