F0695

D

Improper Storage of Nebulizer and Oxygen Mask Equipment

Seaford, Delaware Survey Completed on 09-09-2025

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors identified a deficiency in the facility’s provision of respiratory care when a resident’s oxygen mask and nebulizer equipment were not stored in a protective plastic bag as required by facility policy. The facility’s nebulizer policy, revised 11/1/23, directed staff to place nebulizer equipment in a treatment bag labeled with the patient’s name and date. The resident, admitted on 4/10/24, had a history of COPD and a physician order dated 4/8/25 for PRN ipratropium-albuterol nebulizer treatments every six hours as needed for shortness of breath or wheezing, and a care plan dated 8/20/25 documented that the resident received respiratory treatments as ordered. A significant change MDS dated 8/29/25 documented that the resident received respiratory therapy. On 9/2/25 at 10:39 AM, surveyors observed the resident’s oxygen mask with nebulizer unit attached sitting on top of the bedside table with no protective bag available. During an interview at 10:42 AM, an RN confirmed the equipment was on the bedside table and not in a protective bag, and stated that the respiratory therapist usually places such equipment in a labeled bag. These findings were later reviewed with the NHA and Quality Manager during the exit conference.