Failure to Maintain Sanitary Storage and Cleaning of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure the sanitary storage and cleaning of respiratory equipment for two residents who required respiratory services. For one resident with COPD, asthma, and chronic respiratory failure, oxygen tubing was repeatedly observed coiled on the floor next to the bed without a storage bag, with the nasal prongs in direct contact with debris on the floor. The resident confirmed the absence of a storage bag for the tubing. Physician orders indicated the need for continuous oxygen therapy at night and as needed. For another resident with acute respiratory failure, pneumonitis, asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea, a nebulizer with visible condensation in the medication cup was observed left on the bedside table, and a CPAP mask was found in direct contact with a chair. Two sets of oxygen tubing were also seen connected to equipment at the end of the bed without protective covering. Facility staff interviews confirmed that oxygen tubing and CPAP masks should be stored in bags when not in use, and nebulizers should be cleaned and allowed to dry after each use. Facility policies also required proper cleaning and storage of respiratory equipment, which was not followed in these cases.