Failure to Date and Replace Nasal Cannula for Resident Receiving Oxygen
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident receiving oxygen therapy via nasal cannula did not have the cannula labeled with the date it was put into use. During observation, the resident was seen using a nasal cannula for oxygen delivery, but there was no indication of when the cannula had last been changed. The resident had a history of acute respiratory failure and COPD, and was dependent or required significant assistance with most activities of daily living. The physician's order specified oxygen administration as needed, but there was no documentation or labeling to track the replacement of the nasal cannula. Interviews with staff revealed that the nurse on duty had not checked or dated the nasal cannula and was unsure of the required frequency for changing the tubing. The Director of Nursing confirmed the importance of dating nasal cannulas and stated that undated cannulas should be replaced to maintain infection control standards. The facility did not have a policy or procedure in place regarding the dating and replacement of nasal cannulas, as confirmed by a review of their respiratory care policies.