Unsecured Topical Medications Left Unattended in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that an opened tube of Miconazole nitrate cream and an opened tube of Zinc oxide cream were left unattended on the window sill in a resident's room. The resident, who had intact cognition and had not been assessed for self-administration of medication, stated that the medications had been present since moving into the room and denied ownership or use of the creams. The medications were not secured in a locked compartment as required. Staff interviews revealed that a medication aide had noticed the medications in the room for several days but was unsure if they needed to be secured. The nurse overseeing the aide was new to the facility and unaware of the unattended medications. Both the Assistant Director of Nursing and the Administrator confirmed that medications should be kept in the medication cart and that the facility should remain free of unattended medications. The Medical Director also stated that all medications should be securely stored.