Improper Storage of Nebulizer Equipment Leads to Infection Control Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices for a resident who required nebulizer breathing treatments. Observation revealed that the resident's nebulizer mask and tubing were left resting on the nightstand and not stored in a bag when not in use, contrary to facility protocol. The resident, who had a history of sepsis, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was observed self-administering a breathing treatment using equipment that had not been properly stored. The resident also had moderate cognitive impairment, as documented in her most recent assessment. Interviews with nursing staff and the facility administrator confirmed that the nebulizer mask and tubing should have been stored in a plastic bag to prevent contamination and that failure to do so was a break in infection control procedures. Staff acknowledged that the equipment was not stored as required and that the resident was not supposed to self-medicate. The administrator further confirmed that the improperly stored equipment would need to be discarded due to the lapse in infection control.