Unsecured Medication Found at Bedside Without Physician Order
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a bottle of miconazole nitrate 2% powder, an anti-fungal medication, was found unsecured on top of a dresser beside the bed of a resident who was moderately cognitively impaired. The resident had no physician order for the medication to be kept at bedside, and the medication was observed in the same location during multiple visits over several days. The medication was not stored in a locked compartment as required by facility policy and professional standards. Interviews with nursing staff and the Director of Nursing confirmed that the anti-fungal powder should have been stored on the treatment cart unless there was a physician order to leave it in the resident's room. Staff members who cared for the resident stated they did not notice the medication in the room, but acknowledged that it should have been removed if seen. The Administrator also confirmed that the medication should not have been left in the resident's room without a physician order.