Failure to Provide Safe and Appropriate Respiratory Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident requiring respiratory care was not provided care consistent with professional standards. The resident, who had chronic kidney disease, hypertension, bipolar disorder, and moderate cognitive impairment, had a suction machine in her room without a corresponding physician order. The suction machine's yankauer was observed hanging outside of its bag on multiple occasions, rather than being properly bagged or removed after use. The resident reported using the suction machine occasionally and expressed concern about its cleanliness when not stored properly. Further review revealed that the use of the suction machine was not included in the resident's care plan, and staff interviews confirmed that there was no physician order for its use. Facility staff, including the RN, ADON, Administrator, and DON, acknowledged that the yankauer should have been bagged, an order should have been in place, and the care plan should have reflected the use of the suction machine. The facility's policy required proper assembly, use, and disposal of suctioning materials, as well as documentation of care, which was not followed in this case.