Rough Handling of Oxygen Cannula During Resident Care
Summary
The facility failed to treat a resident with respect and dignity when an LVN handled the resident’s oxygen nasal cannula in a rough and abrupt manner during care. The resident was a moderately cognitively impaired female with diagnoses including atrial fibrillation, vasomotor rhinitis, muscle weakness, monoplegia of the lower left limb, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, schizophrenia, mood disorders, acute kidney failure, and hypertension. Her care plan directed that she be cared for with dignity and that interventions promote safety, well-being, and a positive self-image. The resident stated that the charge nurse came into her room to change her nasal cannula and abruptly hit the bed with the tubing, which she said coincidentally struck her on the nose above her lip. She reported that the LVN appeared frustrated, that the action hurt, and that it made her feel the nurse did not want to care for her. The resident said the incident was witnessed by a CNA and her roommate, and that both reported it to the RN weekend supervisor. She also stated that the LVN later returned and apologized, saying she had been stressed and very busy, and the resident denied any injury beyond momentary discomfort but said she felt disrespected. The roommate confirmed the interaction described by the resident and said it was reported to the RN weekend supervisor. The CNA stated the resident requested a replacement nasal cannula, that the LVN responded the resident could get it later, and that when the LVN later entered the room she snatched the old cannula off the oxygen concentrator and flung it onto the bed before placing the new cannula on the resident and walking out. The RN weekend supervisor stated the LVN refused to give the resident the cannula and described the LVN as mean, rude, and tired of her attitude. The day shift RN, ADON, and Administrator each stated staff should not appear frustrated or irritated during resident care, and the Administrator said this was the first time she had learned of the incident.
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