Failure to Clean Nebulizer After Use
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide sanitary respiratory care for a resident diagnosed with spina bifida, who required nebulizer treatments as ordered by a physician. Observations revealed that the nebulizer was left attached to the tubing on the bedside table with clear liquid remaining in the chamber after use, and it was not cleaned between treatments. The resident confirmed that the nebulizer had not been cleaned since the previous night’s treatment. The care plan for the resident did not include information regarding the use or care of the nebulizer. Interviews with nursing staff and review of facility policy confirmed that the expected protocol was to separate, rinse, and air dry the nebulizer after each use, and to store it in a bag. The facility’s written policy also required daily washing and disinfection of the nebulizer components. Despite these protocols, the required cleaning procedures were not followed, resulting in unsanitary respiratory care for the resident.