Failure to Post Required Oxygen in Use Signage for Resident Receiving Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide respiratory care consistent with professional standards of practice for a resident who was receiving continuous oxygen therapy. Observations revealed that the resident was receiving oxygen at 4 liters per minute via nasal cannula, but there was no signage posted outside the resident's room indicating 'no smoking, oxygen in use' as required by the facility's Oxygen Administration policy. The policy, last revised in October 2010, specifically states that an 'Oxygen in Use' sign should be placed on the outside of the room entrance door when oxygen is being administered. The resident involved had multiple medical diagnoses, including chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, interstitial pulmonary diseases, and other chronic conditions, and was admitted with orders for continuous oxygen therapy and BIPAP during sleep. Documentation confirmed that the resident was receiving oxygen and BIPAP as ordered. During an interview, the DON confirmed that the resident was on continuous oxygen and acknowledged that the required signage was not posted, which was consistent with the observations made during the survey.