Improper Storage of Medication at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a normal saline flush, classified as a drug/biological, was found stored at the bedside of a resident rather than in a locked compartment as required. The resident, a female with diagnoses including type 1 diabetes mellitus, muscle wasting, atrophy, and dehydration, was severely cognitively impaired according to her BIMS score. Her care plan included monitoring for complications related to intravenous therapy. During an observation, the normal saline flush was seen on the resident's television stand, and the resident stated that a nurse had left it there. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed that medications or saline flushes should not be left at the bedside, as this could allow access by residents or visitors and risk contamination or adverse reactions. Review of facility policy also indicated that medication storage should be secure and locked when not in use. The failure to store the normal saline flush in a locked compartment constituted noncompliance with professional standards and facility policy.