Failure to Properly Store Nebulizer Mask for Resident Requiring Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident who required nebulizer treatments for acute and chronic respiratory failure. On the date of observation, the resident's nebulizer mask was found unbagged in her nightstand after use, contrary to professional standards of practice and the facility's own policy, which requires the mask to be bagged when not in use to prevent infection. The LVN responsible for the resident's care acknowledged that she had overlooked bagging the mask after the morning treatment. The resident in question was an elderly female with a diagnosis of acute respiratory failure, requiring extensive assistance with activities of daily living and regular nebulizer treatments as ordered by her physician. The deficiency was identified through observations, interviews with staff, and review of the resident's medical records and care plan, all of which confirmed that the required infection control practice of bagging the nebulizer mask was not followed.