Failure to Store Nebulizer Mask in a Sanitary Manner
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident's nebulizer mask was repeatedly observed stored in an unsanitary manner, specifically left on the bedside table rather than in a clean, designated container. The resident had multiple medical conditions, including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, bilateral below-knee amputations, a colostomy, muscle weakness, and required significant assistance with activities of daily living. The resident was prescribed Ipratropium-Albuterol nebulizer treatments three times daily for wheezing. Despite staff interviews indicating that nebulizer masks should be rinsed, air dried, and stored in a dated plastic bag, direct observations on multiple occasions showed the mask left out on the bedside table. The resident's care plan did not include instructions for nebulizer use or mask storage, and the facility was unable to provide a policy regarding proper storage of nebulizer masks. These actions and omissions led to the failure to ensure safe and sanitary respiratory care for the resident.