Failure to Properly Store Nebulizer Mask for Resident Receiving Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident who required respiratory care was not provided with safe and appropriate handling of respiratory equipment. Specifically, the resident's nebulizer mask was observed on the nightstand uncovered when not in use. Both a licensed vocational nurse and the assistant director of nursing confirmed that the nebulizer mask should have been covered in a plastic bag when not in use to prevent possible infection, but this was not done. The facility did not have a specific policy regarding covering respiratory equipment, but staff acknowledged the expectation to follow standard nursing care practices. The resident involved was an elderly female with multiple diagnoses, including dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. She had moderate cognitive impairment and required full assistance with transfers. Physician orders and medication administration records confirmed that she was receiving scheduled nebulizer treatments. The failure to properly store the nebulizer mask was observed during a period when the resident was sleeping, and the mask was not in use.