Failure to Properly Store and Label Medications and Biologicals
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple instances where medications and biologicals were not stored or labeled according to professional standards. In one case, a medication cup containing a white cream and tongue depressor was left unattended at the bedside of a resident, and the nurse confirmed it should have been discarded and not left out. Additionally, an unlabeled bottle of Dakin's solution and an unlabeled tube of Hydrogel, both used for wound care, were found in the resident's nightstand and later on the bedside table. The nurse and DON confirmed these items should have been labeled with the resident's information and stored in a locked treatment cart, regardless of the supplier. Further observations included a medication cup with crushed medications left on a medication cart while the nurse was away, which was not secured as required. Eye drops for three residents were found on a medication cart without the required 'opened on' and 'discard by' dates. Additionally, expired glucometer control solutions were found in the medication cart, with the nurse confirming they should have been discarded. These findings demonstrate a failure to follow facility policy and professional standards for the storage and labeling of medications and biologicals.