HospitalInspections.org

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30101

Based on observation and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to assure that 1 of 2 crash carts checked in the emergency department was free of expired medications.

Findings include:

1) On 8/6/12, both of the crash carts in the emergency department were checked for expired medications. In 1 of 2 carts checked, it was discovered that there were (2) 500 ml. bags of Lidocaine drip in the cart with an expiration date of February, 2012.

2) Interview on 8/6/12 at approximately 11am with the ER nurse manager revealed that the facility had put in place a weekly check of all medication carts to be done by the managers, and he did not know how the expired Lidocaine was missed.

3) Review of the cart check flow sheet revealed that the cart had been checked during July, 2012.