Failure to Maintain Safe Oxygen Tubing Practices
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care to a resident who required continuous oxygen therapy. During an observation, the resident's oxygen tubing via nasal cannula was found touching the floor, and the date on the tubing was illegible. Interviews with a CNA, RN, and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the tubing should not have been in contact with the floor due to infection control concerns, and that all staff were responsible for ensuring proper handling and labeling of the tubing. The facility's policy required oxygen tubing to be labeled with the date it was last changed, and for infection control practices to be followed to prevent the spread of infection. The resident involved had a history of sepsis, pneumonitis, and COPD, and was cognitively intact and able to make decisions regarding activities of daily living. Medical records indicated an order for oxygen administration via nasal cannula, with instructions to change the tubing as needed when soiled. Despite these orders and facility policies, the tubing was not properly maintained, leading to a deficiency in respiratory care and infection control practices.