Improper Storage of Oxygen Mask for Resident Requiring Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a history of acute respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was not provided respiratory care in accordance with professional standards and the resident's care plan. The resident required total assistance for activities of daily living and had physician orders for as-needed inhalation treatments. The care plan specified that oxygen therapy should be provided as needed. During an observation, the resident's oxygen mask was found unbagged and sitting on top of a chest, rather than being stored in a plastic bag when not in use as required by facility policy and professional standards. Interviews with nursing staff, including an RN, the ADON, and the DON, confirmed that the oxygen mask should have been bagged when not in use to prevent infection. Staff were unable to confirm when the device was last used and acknowledged that the mask was not stored properly. Facility policy on oxygen administration required safe and effective delivery of oxygen and that residents remain free from infection, which was not followed in this instance.