Medication Left Unsecured on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
A registered nurse (RN) left Metoprolol, a blood pressure medication, unsecured on top of a medication cart and walked away to enter a resident's room, leaving the medication accessible to unauthorized staff and residents. Facility policy requires that medications be stored safely and securely, accessible only to licensed nursing personnel, pharmacy personnel, or staff lawfully authorized to administer medications. The policy also specifically states that no medications should be left on top of the medication cart when the nurse steps away. During interviews, the RN acknowledged the lapse, stating it was not their regular procedure and that they thought they had taken the medication with them. The Director of Nursing confirmed the RN was filling in for a shift and was nervous during the incident.