Failure to Properly Store Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for three residents who required such care, as evidenced by observations, interviews, and record reviews. Specifically, two residents who used oxygen concentrators did not have their nasal cannula tubing covered with a bag when not in use, and one resident's nebulizer face mask was left uncovered on a nightstand. These actions were inconsistent with professional standards of practice, the residents' care plans, and the facility's own policy on oxygen administration. For the two residents with oxygen concentrators, both had physician orders for oxygen therapy and required maximal assistance with activities of daily living. During observations, their nasal cannulas were found uncovered and, in one case, nearly touching the floor. Both residents were cognitively impaired and typically wore oxygen, but the unused cannulas on their concentrators were not protected as required. The third resident, who was cognitively intact and required supervision with activities of daily living, had a nebulizer and mask sitting on her nightstand without a protective bag. Staff interviews confirmed that nurses and aides were responsible for ensuring respiratory equipment was covered when not in use, and acknowledged that failure to do so could lead to infection control issues. The facility's policy required safe handling and storage of respiratory equipment, but this was not followed in these instances.