Failure to Maintain Proper Respiratory Equipment Storage and Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for four residents by not maintaining proper storage of oxygen nasal cannula tubing and not ensuring timely changes of nebulizer tubing and masks. Specifically, three residents with diagnoses including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and respiratory failure were observed with their oxygen nasal cannula tubing hanging on wheelchairs or concentrator tanks when not in use, rather than being stored in a bag as required by facility practice. Staff interviews confirmed that the tubing should be stored in a bag to prevent contamination, but this was not consistently done. Additionally, one resident with a history of asthma and cardiac issues received nebulizer treatments with tubing and a mask that had not been changed for over two weeks, despite the facility's policy requiring weekly changes. Staff acknowledged the lapse, and the Director of Nursing confirmed expectations for weekly changes and proper storage. The facility was unable to provide a written policy regarding the storage of oxygen nasal cannula tubing when not in use.