Improper Storage of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who required respiratory care including oxygen therapy and aerosolized medications, did not have her breathing mask stored properly after use. The resident, who had severe cognitive impairment, was observed with her breathing mask placed on top of her overbed table rather than being stored in a protective bag as required. The mask had been removed from its plastic bag by an LVN, who then placed it on the table and did not immediately replace the bag, citing being busy and forgetting to do so. The facility's policy required that oxygen therapy equipment, such as masks and cannulas, be kept clean and covered when not in use to prevent contamination. Interviews with facility staff, including the LVN, DON, ADON, and Administrator, confirmed that the responsibility for cleaning and properly storing the breathing mask after use fell to the staff member administering the treatment. The staff acknowledged that the mask should have been bagged to prevent cross contamination and respiratory infection, and that the failure to do so was not in line with facility policy or professional standards of practice. The incident was identified through observation, interview, and record review.