Failure to Maintain and Label Oxygen Equipment for Residents Receiving Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate respiratory care and maintain oxygen equipment for four out of five sampled residents. According to facility policy, oxygen cannulas and tubing should be changed every seven days or as needed, and both oxygen and nebulizer equipment should be labeled with the date and stored properly between uses. During observations and interviews, it was found that residents with diagnoses such as pneumonia, coronary artery disease, heart failure, anemia, hypertension, respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bipolar disorder, and diabetes mellitus were receiving oxygen therapy, but the tubing in use was not labeled with an identifiable date as required by policy and physician orders. Specifically, residents were observed either in bed or sitting in a chair while using oxygen, and in each case, the oxygen tubing lacked proper labeling. Staff interviews confirmed that the required labeling and maintenance procedures were not followed for these residents. The Nursing Home Administrator acknowledged that the facility did not meet the standards for respiratory care and equipment maintenance for these residents, as outlined in both facility policy and physician orders.