Unattended Unlocked Treatment Cart with Medications and Supplies
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a main treatment cart, assigned to an RN, was observed unlocked and unattended in a hallway. The RN was in a resident's room at the time, and there were residents ambulating in the area. The cart's lock was disengaged, allowing all drawers to be opened and accessed. The cart contained various treatment supplies and medications, including scissors, needles, multiple containers of liquids, and a medication cup filled with a thick, white substance with a wooden spoon. No staff were present to supervise the cart during this time. Attempts to interview the responsible RN were unsuccessful, as she left work early and did not respond to follow-up calls or texts. The DON confirmed that the RN was responsible for the cart and acknowledged that facility policy requires all treatment and medication carts to be locked when not in use. The Administrator also confirmed that nurses are responsible for securing their carts to prevent resident access to medications and supplies.