HospitalInspections.org

Based upon observation and staff interview, the psychiatric unit failed to ensure that drugs and biologicals are readily available during patient related life saving procedures (also known as a Code) that requires a team of providers to rush to a specific location and begin immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or life saving efforts. Finding includes:

Per observation on 11/5/19, 2:30 PM the psychiatric unit did not have a locked medical emergency box or cart that contained drugs and biologicals which can be easily transported to a patient in the event of a life saving procedure.

Per staff interview on 11/6/19, at 9:30 AM the Interim Unit Director confirmed the psychiatric unit does not have a locked medical emergency box or cart that contains drugs and biologicals which can be easily transported to a patient in the event of a life saving procedure. The Interim Unit Director also confirmed on 11/6/19 at 9:30 AM that patient medications located in the Pyxis Machine (an automated medication dispensing machine) would not readily available to patients in a timely manner during a life saving procedure. The Interim Unit Director stated staff can initiate CPR, apply Oxygen, use an AED (automated external defibrillator used to check for life threatening cardiac arrhythmia), use an Ambu bag (a hand held device used to assist patients who are not breathing), and call 911 for assistance during a life saving procedure.

Based upon observation and staff interview, drugs and biologicals commonly used in life saving procedures were not readily available to staff on the psychiatric unit. Per Critical Access Hospital federal regulations, the items available must include the following: analgesics, local anesthetics, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidotes and emetics, serums and toxoids, antiarrymthmnics, cardiac glycosides, antihypertensives, diuretics, and electrolyte and replacement solutions. Finding includes:

Per observation on 11/5/19, 2:30 PM the psychiatric unit did not have a locked medical emergency box or cart that contained drugs and biologicals which can be easily transported to a patient in the event of a life saving procedure.

Per staff interview on 11/6/19, at 9:30 AM the Interim Unit Director confirmed the psychiatric unit does not have a locked medical emergency box or cart that contains drugs and biologicals which can be easily transported to a patient in the event of a life saving procedure. The Interim Unit Director also confirmed on 11/6/19 at 9:30 AM that patient medications located in the Pyxis Machine (an automated medication dispensing machine) would not readily available to patients in a timely manner during a life saving procedure. The Interim Unit Director stated staff can initiate CPR, apply Oxygen, use an AED (automated external defibrillator used to check for life threatening cardiac arrhythmia), use an Ambu bag (a hand held device used to assist patients who are not breathing), and call 911 for assistance during a life saving procedure.