Failure to Maintain Clean CPAP Equipment for Resident
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including obstructive sleep apnea, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was observed with visibly soiled CPAP equipment over multiple days. The CPAP nasal mask, tubing, and head strap all had significant brown buildup, and the resident reported that nobody cleaned the equipment. The resident required assistance with activities of daily living and had impaired cognition. Despite physician orders specifying weekly cleaning of the CPAP tubing and documentation indicating the cleaning was completed, the equipment remained dirty upon repeated observations. Record review confirmed that the treatment administration record was marked as completed for the required weekly cleaning, yet the equipment was still visibly soiled. Staff acknowledged the presence of brown buildup and that the equipment was dirty, indicating a failure to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care as ordered. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, resident interview, and review of medical and treatment records.