Unsafe and Unclean Furniture Provided to Resident
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident was not provided with safe, clean, and comfortable furniture in their room. The over-the-bed table used by the resident had a significant chip measuring approximately 2 inches by 1.5 inches, resulting in exposed sharp edges and a porous surface. This condition was observed multiple times over several days, and the resident reported that the damage had been present for about six months. The resident expressed a desire for a new table, indicating awareness of the issue and its duration. Staff interviews confirmed the unsafe condition of the table. A CNA acknowledged that all furniture should be free of hazards and specifically noted the risk of injury from the sharp edges and porous surface. An LVN reviewed a photo of the table and stated there was a strong possibility of skin tears and infection, emphasizing the risk of bacteria harboring in the damaged area. The Director of Staff Development, who also serves as the Infection Preventionist, confirmed that the porous area could not be cleaned effectively and posed a risk for blood or bacteria to remain, further increasing the risk of infection. The Director of Nursing reviewed the situation and stated that it is the responsibility of all staff to maintain a safe environment by ensuring equipment is clean and intact. The DON noted that the table should have been removed immediately and that staff failed to follow facility policies by not notifying the Maintenance department promptly or removing the damaged table as soon as the chip occurred. Facility policies reviewed require that patient rooms be free from hazards, that repairs be addressed promptly, and that furniture in disrepair be reported to Maintenance.