Medications Left Unattended at Bedside by LPN
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a nurse failed to administer medications according to professional standards and facility policy for a resident diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), hypertension, mood disorder, and anxiety disorder. The resident, who was cognitively intact, had active physician orders for several oral medications, including a neuromuscular agent that required administration on an empty stomach. During a survey, the resident was observed in bed with six pills left in a medicine cup at the bedside while being fed lunch by a caretaker. The nurse responsible for the resident admitted to leaving the medications at the bedside, stating she was waiting for pudding to administer the medications, despite knowing this was against facility policy. Facility policy clearly states that medications must be administered in a safe and timely manner, as prescribed, and should not be left at the bedside. Both the Unit Manager and the Director of Nursing confirmed that leaving medications at the bedside is not permitted and that the expectation is to document medications as refused if not taken. The nurse's action of leaving the medications unattended at the bedside was not in accordance with the facility's medication administration policy and professional standards of nursing practice.