Medication Left at Bedside Without Physician Order
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a wound care nurse and wound tech were observed assisting a resident with a skin check, during which nystatin powder was retrieved from the resident's bedside table for application to a reddened sacral area. Upon inquiry, the wound care nurse confirmed that floor nurses are responsible for the resident's treatment and acknowledged that medication should not be left at the bedside. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that medications are not to be left at bedside unless ordered by a physician. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including metabolic encephalopathy, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, and cognitive communication deficit, had an active physician order for nystatin powder to be applied topically every shift for redness. Facility policy requires all drugs and biologicals to be stored safely and securely, and not left at bedside without a physician's order.