Prohibited Chemical Found in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was found to have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide topical solution in her room, which is a prohibited item according to facility staff. The resident, who had diagnoses including heart failure, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia, and who was assessed as having no cognitive impairment and requiring minimal assistance with activities of daily living, stated she did not know where the hydrogen peroxide came from or whether she was allowed to have it. The item was observed among other general hygiene products in the resident's bathroom. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN, the Assistant Director of Nurses, and the Administrator, confirmed that hydrogen peroxide is not permitted in resident rooms due to potential danger if used improperly or accessed by other residents. All staff interviewed stated that it is their responsibility to remove such prohibited items from resident rooms. When requested, the Administrator was unable to provide a policy regarding accidents, hazards, or prohibited items in resident rooms.