Unattended Medication Card Left on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a medication card containing Lasix tablets was left unattended on top of a medication cart during a medication pass. The LPN responsible for administering medications walked away from the cart to assist a resident in a wheelchair to her room, leaving the medication card exposed and unsecured. Facility policy requires that medications be either under the direct observation of the person administering them or locked in the medication storage area or cart at all times. During interviews, the LPN acknowledged that medications should be locked up when unattended and confirmed that she left the Lasix medication card on the cart while she was away. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that leaving medications unattended on top of the cart was unacceptable and a safety issue, as it could allow someone to access medications they were not supposed to have. These findings were based on direct observation, staff interviews, and a review of facility policy.