Failure to Properly Store Nebulizer Masks for Two Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store nebulizer masks for two residents who required respiratory care. According to the facility's policy, nebulizer equipment must be cleaned with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant, allowed to air dry, and then stored in a patient-care set-up bag labeled with the resident's name and date. For one resident with COPD, chronic respiratory failure, and emphysema, observations revealed the nebulizer mask was left open to air on the bedside table, with no storage bag present. The unit manager confirmed that this was not in accordance with facility policy. The resident was cognitively intact and required assistance with activities of daily living. For another resident with a history of left femur fracture, artificial hip, and chronic respiratory failure, the nebulizer mask was also observed uncovered and open to air on multiple occasions. Both the DON and ADON confirmed that the nebulizer mask had not been stored appropriately prior to being placed in a bag during the survey. Medical records indicated that both residents were receiving nebulized medications as ordered, but the required infection control practices for storing the nebulizer masks were not followed.