Failure to Provide Safe and Appropriate Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for two residents who required oxygen therapy and respiratory equipment. For one resident with diagnoses including heart failure, COPD, and respiratory failure, surveyors observed that the oxygen nasal cannula in use was not dated, and two BiPAP masks were left on the bedside nightstand without being stored in a bag as required by facility policy. The LPN confirmed these deficiencies during an interview. Physician orders specified that oxygen tubing should be changed weekly, and the facility policy required proper storage and dating of respiratory equipment. For another resident with heart failure, hypertension, and dementia, surveyors found that the oxygen tubing in use was dated beyond the weekly change interval specified in physician orders, and the nebulizer tubing was not dated. Additionally, the nebulizer mask was not stored in a bag when not in use, contrary to facility policy. The LPN confirmed that the oxygen tubing was not changed as ordered and that the nebulizer was not properly stored. The DON also confirmed the facility's failure to provide appropriate respiratory care for both residents.