F0761

D

Unattended and Unsecured Medication Cart on 500 Hall

Raleigh, North Carolina Survey Completed on 02-12-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

Surveyors observed that a medication cart on the 500 hall was left unattended and unsecured for several minutes. During continuous observation from 8:35 AM to 8:38 AM, the cart was noted to have three drawers containing prescription medications pulled open with medications exposed. The cart was unlocked, and the keys were hanging from the lock, with the cart facing the hallway. At the time of the observation, there were no staff or residents visible near or around the cart on the 500 hall.

Nurse #3 was seen exiting a resident's room and then approaching the unsecured medication cart. In an interview conducted immediately afterward, Nurse #3 initially stated she had her eyes on the cart the whole time, but then clarified she had been assisting a resident to his room and did not have her eyes on the cart. She acknowledged that she knew the cart should not have been left unattended and unsecured with drawers open and the key left in the lock, and explained that she had been rushing and did not realize she left the drawers open or the key in place. In a separate interview, the Administrator stated he expected nursing staff to ensure medication carts were secured at all times whenever staff stepped away, emphasizing the importance of keeping carts secured while unattended to prevent access by unauthorized residents or staff.