HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure that all medications available for patient use in the Emergency Department (ED) were not expired. This had the potential to affect all patients admitted to the ED.

The findings include:

During a tour of the ED Exam Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 conducted on 4/16/13 at 9:30 AM, the following outdated medications were observed:

(1) 0.9% Sodium Chloride 10 ml (milliliter) bottle expired 2/2013
(2) Nifedipine ER (extended Release) pills expired 1/2013
(2) Aspirin 325 mg (milligrams) Chewable expired 3/13
(2) Atropine Sulfate 1mg Injection expired 1/13
(2) 1 gram Lidocaine (4mg/ ml) 0.4 Lidocaine HCL and 5% Dextrose Injection in a 250 ml bag expired 11/1/12
(1) 20 ml. bottle Lidocaine HCL 1% and Epinephrine 1:100,000 Injection expired 1/1/13

An interview conducted on 4/16/13 at 10:45 AM with Employee Identifier (EI) #1, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) verified the medications were expired.

Based on observations and staff interview, it was determined the facility failed to ensure that all medications available for patient use in the Emergency Department (ED) were not expired. This had the potential to affect all patients admitted to the ED.

The findings include:

During a tour of the ED Exam Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 conducted on 4/16/13 at 9:30 AM, the following outdated medications were observed:

(1) 0.9% Sodium Chloride 10 ml (milliliter) bottle expired 2/2013
(2) Nifedipine ER (extended Release) pills expired 1/2013
(2) Aspirin 325 mg (milligrams) Chewable expired 3/13
(2) Atropine Sulfate 1mg Injection expired 1/13
(2) 1 gram Lidocaine (4mg/ ml) 0.4 Lidocaine HCL and 5% Dextrose Injection in a 250 ml bag expired 11/1/12
(1) 20 ml. bottle Lidocaine HCL 1% and Epinephrine 1:100,000 Injection expired 1/1/13

An interview conducted on 4/16/13 at 10:45 AM with Employee Identifier (EI) #1, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) verified the medications were expired.