Petroleum-Based Jelly Present in Room of Resident on Oxygen Therapy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, who was receiving continuous oxygen therapy via nasal cannula, was found to have a container of petroleum-based jelly on the overbed table in his room. Observations on two separate days confirmed the presence of the petroleum-based jelly while the resident was on oxygen at 4 liters per minute. The resident reported using the jelly on his lips for dryness and believed it was likely brought in by a family member. The care plan for the resident included monitoring for respiratory distress and administering medications as ordered, but did not address the presence of petroleum-based products in the room. Interviews with nursing staff and facility leadership revealed that both the DON and the Administrator were aware that petroleum-based products should not be present in the rooms of residents receiving oxygen therapy due to potential hazards. However, the petroleum-based jelly remained accessible to the resident for multiple days, and staff did not identify or remove it during their care activities. The deficiency was identified through observations, record review, and interviews with staff and the resident.