Failure to Store CPAP Equipment in a Sanitary Manner
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, fluid overload, pneumococcal infection, cerebral infarction, cellulitis, and hemiparesis/hemiplegia, did not have their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment stored in a sanitary manner. The resident's CPAP mask was observed lying on the bedside table rather than being properly contained, as required by facility policy. The resident's baseline care plan lacked specific instructions for staff regarding the care and storage of respiratory equipment, including the CPAP device. Interviews with facility staff revealed inconsistent knowledge and practices regarding the proper storage of respiratory equipment. A licensed nurse stated that all respiratory equipment should be placed in a bag with the date of last change, and that all nursing staff were responsible for ensuring sanitary storage. However, a certified nurse's aide expressed uncertainty about how to store a CPAP, and an administrative nurse confirmed that all respiratory equipment should be bagged when not in use. The facility's policy required respiratory and medical equipment to be stored in a manner that minimizes contamination risk and maintains infection prevention standards, but this was not followed in the case of the resident's CPAP mask.