Improper Medication Storage at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a medication was found improperly stored at a resident's bedside. The resident, who had a history of a left foot fracture, difficulty walking, and muscle weakness, was assessed as cognitively intact but required assistance with oral medication administration. During an observation, a clear plastic cup containing a white pill, identified as an antibiotic, was found at the resident's bedside. The resident confirmed that he had been told he no longer needed the medication and therefore did not take it. A certified nurse aide confirmed the presence of the pill and acknowledged that nurses were responsible for observing residents taking their medications and that medications should not be left with residents. Facility policy required medications to be administered within one hour of the prescribed time and documented as refused if not taken, with self-administration only permitted if the resident was deemed capable by the physician and care team. The incident was identified during a complaint investigation and involved a failure to ensure medications were properly stored and administered according to policy.