Medications Left Unattended During Administration
Penalty
Summary
A registered nurse was observed administering medications to a resident and left multiple medications unattended on the resident's bedside table while leaving the room to obtain the correct size glove. During this time, the medications were accessible to anyone who could have entered the room. The nurse acknowledged that medications should not have been left out of sight and recognized the safety concerns associated with this action. The Director of Nursing confirmed that medications should not be left unattended for safety reasons. Review of the facility's Medication Administration policy indicated that staff are required to remain with the resident while medication is swallowed and not to leave medications in a resident's room without specific orders to do so.