Medicated Cream Left at Bedside for Cognitively Impaired Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with multiple medical conditions, including impaired cognitive function and a fungal rash, was found to have four medicine cups containing a medicated anti-fungal cream left on the nightstand next to their bed. Observations confirmed that the medicated cream remained at the bedside for at least 20 minutes. Staff interviews revealed that medicated creams should not be left at the bedside, and the anti-fungal cream in question contained 2% miconazole nitrate. The Director of Nursing confirmed that medications should not be left at the bedside, that the facility did not have a self-medication administration evaluation, and that residents should not be self-administering their medications. The facility's Medication Administration policy required nurses to remain with the resident until all medication is used, and there was no specific policy for medications administered at the bedside. The presence of the medicated cream at the bedside was not in accordance with facility policy or staff expectations.