Improper Storage of Respiratory Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for three residents who required respiratory equipment, as evidenced by improper storage of nebulizer and CPAP masks. Observations revealed that two residents had nebulizer masks left unbagged—one on a nightstand and another in a drawer—while a third resident's CPAP mask was also found unbagged on a nightstand. Interviews with nursing staff confirmed that it was their responsibility to ensure masks were bagged after use to prevent infection, but they admitted to forgetting or needing to remind residents to do so. The interim DON stated that masks should be air dried and then bagged, but acknowledged that sometimes residents removed the masks from the bags. Record reviews indicated that all three residents had relevant diagnoses requiring respiratory care, such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, COPD, and sleep apnea, and each had care plans and physician orders specifying the use of respiratory equipment. The facility's own policy on infection prevention for respiratory therapy equipment was not followed, as the masks were not properly stored when not in use, contrary to professional standards and the residents' care plans.