Unattended Medications and Syringes Left on Medication Cart
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to store medications and biologicals in a secure manner as required by facility policy and professional standards. During an observation, a medication cart was found unattended and locked, but medications labeled with a resident's name, a capped syringe, and a glucometer with a test strip were left on top of the cart. No staff were present in the area at the time. The facility's policy, reviewed and acknowledged by staff, clearly states that all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments and not left unattended. Interviews with the LPN involved, the unit manager, a registered nurse, and the Director of Nursing confirmed that leaving medications and syringes unattended on top of the cart was against facility policy and unsafe. The LPN admitted to being aware of the policy but stated he was trying to administer medications on time. Other staff members reiterated that medications and syringes should not be left unattended and that the LPN should have sought assistance if needed.