Unattended and Unlocked Medication Cart Observed
Penalty
Summary
A medication cart was observed unlocked and unattended on the second floor near the nurses' station, with two residents present in the vicinity. One resident walked by the cart using a walker, while another was seated in the common area watching television. The facility's policy requires that medication carts remain locked when not in use or when not attended by authorized personnel, such as licensed nurses or medication aides. The incident occurred when a registered nurse was pulled away from the medication cart and left it unlocked and unattended. Upon interview, the nurse acknowledged that the cart should not have been left in this state. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that medication carts are expected to be locked whenever nurses are not present.