Failure to Change and Date Nebulizer Tubing Weekly
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that respiratory nebulizer tubing for a resident was changed and dated according to physician orders and facility policy. Specifically, the physician's orders required that all respiratory tubing, supplies, and storage bags be changed and dated every Sunday during the overnight shift. However, multiple observations over several days revealed that one resident's nebulizer tubing was dated more than a month prior and had not been changed as required. Interviews with two LPNs and the DON confirmed that the tubing should be changed weekly, and the DON acknowledged that the tubing had not been changed since the date indicated on the tubing, which was several weeks past due. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, record review, and staff interviews.