Failure to Date and Change Nasal Cannula Tubing for Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
A nasal cannula attached to an oxygen concentrator at the bedside of a resident with chronic respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was observed without a date or label. The resident's medical record indicated a need for continuous oxygen therapy. During interviews, a licensed nurse confirmed that the nasal cannula tubing was not dated and stated that it should have been labeled and connected to a humidifier. The nurse also indicated that the tubing should be changed every seven days for infection control purposes. The infection preventionist and the director of nursing both acknowledged that the nasal cannula tubing should be dated and changed every seven days, in accordance with facility guidelines. However, a review of the facility's policy and procedure for oxygen administration did not specify when oxygen tubing should be changed. The lack of labeling and absence of a clear policy contributed to the failure to ensure proper infection prevention and control practices for the resident receiving oxygen therapy.