Failure to Properly Store Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide necessary respiratory care and services for a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, depression, and anxiety. The resident was independent in daily activities and required supplemental oxygen and nebulizer treatments as ordered by the physician. Observations revealed that the nebulizer mask was repeatedly left uncovered on top of the nebulizer machine, and the oxygen tubing and nasal cannula were wound up and placed uncovered between the oxygen concentrator handle and machine, rather than being stored in the designated fabric bags as required by facility policy and physician orders. Interviews with the resident, a licensed nurse, and an administrative nurse confirmed that the proper procedure was to store the oxygen tubing and nebulizer mask in fabric bags when not in use. The facility's infection prevention policy also directed staff to keep these items in labeled plastic bags between uses. Despite these directives, staff did not consistently follow the required storage protocols, resulting in a failure to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for the resident.