Failure to Post Oxygen Sign for Resident Receiving Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident who required oxygen therapy, as evidenced by the absence of an oxygen sign posted outside the resident's room. The resident, a cognitively intact female with a history of asthma, COPD, or chronic lung disease, was observed receiving continuous oxygen via nasal cannula in her room. Despite the care plan specifying the use of supplemental oxygen and the need for monitoring, there was no visible indication outside the room to alert staff or visitors to the presence of oxygen therapy. Interviews with facility staff, including a CNA, LVN, DON, and the Administrator, confirmed that it was standard practice to post oxygen signs to notify others of oxygen use and potential hazards. However, it was revealed that the facility did not have a written policy requiring the posting of such signs. The lack of an oxygen sign was directly observed during the survey, and staff acknowledged the importance of this practice for safety and monitoring purposes.