Failure to Properly Store and Label Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices for one of two sampled residents when respiratory care equipment was not stored or labeled according to policy. Specifically, a nebulizer that was not in use was observed on a bedside table without any dates on the tubing and was not stored in a bag or enclosed container. Additionally, the resident's nasal cannula oxygen tubing had no date indicating when it was last changed. These observations were confirmed during an interview with a licensed nurse, who acknowledged that the equipment should be dated and properly stored to ensure staff know when to change them and to prevent contamination. A review of the resident's admission record showed diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute and chronic respiratory failure with hypoxia, anxiety disorder, and depression. Facility policies required that humidifiers be labeled with the date and time opened and that nebulizers be stored in a plastic bag labeled with the resident's name and room number. The observed practices did not comply with these policies, resulting in a deficiency related to infection prevention and control.