Unattended Medications Left on Cart by LVN
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) was observed preparing six medications, including calcium with vitamin D, aspirin, atenolol, losartan, sennosides, and vitamin B12, for a resident. The LVN placed these medications in cups on top of a medication cart and left them unattended while entering the resident's room to take vital signs. During this time, the medication cart was not supervised, and the medications remained accessible on top of the cart. The LVN then returned to the cart, took three medication cups into the resident's room for administration, and subsequently returned for the remaining three cups to complete the administration process. During interviews, the LVN acknowledged leaving the medications unattended and stated that medications should always be supervised and securely stored. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed that the LVN failed to safely store and supervise the medications, noting that without supervision, other residents could potentially access the medications. Review of the facility's policy indicated that medications must be stored safely and securely, accessible only to authorized personnel, and that medication carts must be locked or attended by authorized staff.