Failure to Properly Store and Secure Medications
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals were stored in accordance with accepted professional principles, as evidenced by two specific incidents. In one medication room, an open drink labeled as a Coolata with a straw was found stored inside the medication freezer. The nurse present acknowledged that food and drinks are not supposed to be stored in the medication refrigerator or freezer and stated that the drink belonged to him and should have been kept in the employee break room. The Director of Nursing confirmed that no food or drink should ever be stored in the medication refrigerator or freezer due to the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, during a medication pass, a nurse prepared multiple medications for a resident, including pills, an inhaler, and ointment. The nurse placed the inhaler and ointment on top of the medication cart and took the medication cups into the resident's room, leaving the other medications unsecured on the cart. When the nurse needed a larger blood pressure cuff, she left the medication cups unattended on the resident's overbed table and left the cart with medications on top, both unsecured and unattended. Another nurse later acknowledged that medications should not have been left at the bedside or on top of the cart, as it was not safe.