Failure to Properly Store Oxygen Tubing for Residents Receiving Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for two residents who required oxygen therapy. For one resident with COPD and end stage renal disease, observations revealed that oxygen tubing connected to a portable tank on the resident's wheelchair was not stored in a bag as required by the care plan and professional standards. The resident confirmed that the tubing was usually kept in a bag, but at the time of observation, it was looped around the wheelchair handle and left exposed. A nurse acknowledged that the tubing should have been bagged and stated it was important for infection control. For another resident with COPD and diabetes, oxygen tubing connected to an oxygen concentrator was observed draped over the top of the concentrator and not stored in a bag when not in use. Due to the resident's cognitive impairment, he was unable to answer questions about the tubing. Nursing staff confirmed that the tubing should have been bagged to prevent bacterial contamination. The facility's policy addressed the frequency of changing oxygen tubing but did not specify storage requirements when not in use.