Improper Labeling and Storage of Medications on Medication Carts
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that drugs and biologicals were not properly labeled or stored in accordance with professional standards on two medication carts. On the 200-hall medication cart, 13 loose pills of various shapes, colors, and sizes were found in the bottom of the drawers. Additionally, open and undated boxes of budesonide and DuoNeb solutions were present, despite manufacturer guidelines requiring budesonide vials to be used within two weeks of opening the foil pouch and DuoNeb vials within seven days. The nurse responsible for the cart was unaware of these guidelines and had not cleaned the cart during her shift. On the 500-hall medication cart, four loose albuterol sulfate solution vials and an open, undated box of DuoNeb solutions were found in the drawer. Manufacturer instructions specify that albuterol sulfate should be stored in the foil pouch to protect from light, and DuoNeb vials should be used within seven days of opening. The nurse assigned to this cart also had not cleaned the cart and was unaware of the storage and labeling requirements. The DON stated that while each nurse is responsible for keeping carts clean, the weekend supervisor is tasked with ensuring medication carts are organized and that medications are properly stored and labeled.