Dusty room fans in respiratory care rooms
Summary
The facility failed to keep fans in resident rooms clean for 7 of 24 residents, including residents with tracheostomies and/or ventilators. During observations, wall-mounted fans in the rooms of residents with significant respiratory needs were seen with dust accumulated on the grids and, in several rooms, on the fan blades when the fans were stopped. The affected residents included individuals who were unable to speak or were nonverbal, had impaired decision making or were dependent on staff for all ADLs, and had diagnoses such as cardiorespiratory debility, chronic respiratory failure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive neurological condition, COPD, dysphagia, and dependence on ventilator, tracheostomy, oxygen, suctioning, and tube feeding. Resident observations showed the fans were present and operating in rooms where residents were in bed with tracheostomies, ventilators, and tube feedings. One resident stated the fan was dusty and said housekeeping cleaned the fan, but not very often. Another resident stated the fan was dirty and was unsure when or who cleaned it. Surveyors observed dust on the fan grids and blades in multiple rooms, including rooms where residents were sleeping, lying in bed, or not responding to questions. During interviews, an RN verified the fans were dusty and stated they should be cleaned to prevent allergies and/or infections, especially in rooms with residents with respiratory problems. Another RN stated fans in resident rooms should be cleaned to prevent dust blowing into the room, especially for residents with tracheostomies and ventilators. A housekeeper aide stated he cleaned the fans once a week, while the maintenance director stated he was not sure whether fans were included on the cleaning template and said his expectation would be to check the fans every week and clean them at least monthly. The facility procedure for resident room routine cleaning required maintaining clean and attractive surroundings, and the room survey form included fans as part of the room environment to be observed for cleanliness and function.
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