Failure to Provide Timely Respiratory Equipment Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care for two residents who required oxygen therapy. According to facility policy, humidification bottles and tubing for oxygen concentrators are to be changed weekly. For one resident with diagnoses including high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and Alzheimer's Disease, a physician's order required oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute to maintain oxygen saturation above 90%. Observation revealed that the humidification bottle in use was empty and had not been changed for over a week, as indicated by the date on the bottle. A registered nurse confirmed that the bottle was not changed as required. Similarly, another resident with diagnoses of high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes had a physician's order for oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute. Observation showed that the humidification bottle in use for this resident had not been changed for two weeks, contrary to facility policy. This was also confirmed by a registered nurse. The Director of Nursing acknowledged that the facility did not provide appropriate respiratory care for these two residents.