HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview and policy review it was determined the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) registered nurse failed to ensure the crash carts on the unit were checked and recorded daily to ensure all cardiac and respiratory lifesaving supplies and equipment were available and working correctly. This deficient practice was identified on two (2) of two (2) crash carts located on the unit. This has the potential to negatively affect any patient who requires cardiac/respiratory resuscitation.

Findings include:

1. A tour of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was conducted on 5/16/16 at 11:10 a.m. An observation of crash cart one (1) and crash cart two (2) revealed a daily check was not completed. Crash cart one (1) had not been checked for nine (9) of fifteen (15) days for the month of May 2016. Crash cart two (2) had not been checked for fourteen (14) of fifteen (15) days in May 2016.
2. Review of the policy titled "Policy No. 10.19" with a revised date of 10/28/2011 states, in part: "Crash cart security and available emergency equipment will be checked daily by appropriate staff in the department/unit when open".
3. An interview was conducted on 5/16/16 at 11:30 a.m. with the Clinical Manager of ICU and he concurred with the above findings.