Unsecured Medication Cart and Open Medication Bottle in Memory Care Unit
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when medications were not properly secured on the memory care unit. During an observation, a medication cart was found in the dining room with the lock not engaged, and a large bottle of acetaminophen with the lid off and approximately 15 to 20 tablets exposed was sitting on top of the cart. At the time, nine residents were present in the dining room, all of whom had a diagnosis of dementia and were at risk for wandering. A CNA was assisting residents out of the dining room, and an LPN returned to the area, confirming the cart was left unlocked and the medication bottle was open. Facility policy requires all medications, except emergency drug kits, to be stored in a locked cabinet, cart, or medication room accessible only to authorized personnel.