Dirty hallway air filter observed
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment when an air filter in the hallway was observed to be full of dust and a gray, fuzzy substance. The deficient practice was identified for four sampled residents: Resident 13, Resident 33, Resident 67, and Resident 99. The report states the condition had the potential to expose residents to an unclean environment and negatively impact comfort, safety, and quality of life. Resident 13 was admitted with diagnoses including acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, shortness of breath, heart failure, and sepsis. Records showed the resident was alert, cooperative, had normal affect and speech, and later MDS data indicated intact cognition. During observation and interview, Resident 13 pointed out the filthy air filter and stated it was full of dust. In a later interview, the resident said the hallway air quality was not good, that there could be different air pathogens in the air, and that the resident kept the door closed and asked staff to wear masks because of multiple prior lung problems. Resident 33 was admitted with asthma, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, shortness of breath, and obesity, and records showed the resident was alert, oriented, and able to make own decisions, with later MDS data indicating intact cognition. Resident 67 was admitted with acute respiratory disease, hypertension, and acute kidney failure, and records showed the resident was alert, oriented, and able to make own decisions, with later MDS data indicating intact cognition. Resident 99 was admitted with heart failure, a pacemaker, and syncope, and records showed the resident was alert and oriented with fluctuating capacity to understand and make decisions, with later MDS data indicating intact cognition. During interviews, each resident stated that clean air filters and clean air were important and that dirty filters could worsen breathing or make them sicker. The Housekeeping Supervisor stated residents had the right to breathe clean air and have clean air filters, that filters needed to be changed twice monthly, and that the facility's Cleaning Air Purifier Log showed the filter was changed only once a month. Facility policies stated that items that collect dust or secretions may harbor microorganisms and that residents are to be provided a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment.
Penalty
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