Infection Control Deficiencies During Medication Administration and Dressing Change
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to proper infection control practices during medication administration for two residents. An LPN was observed preparing medications for two residents using her bare hands, which is against standard infection control procedures. She handled various medications, including Famotidine, Mucinex, and Clopidogrel, without wearing gloves, and placed them into medication cups. This practice was confirmed during an interview with the LPN, indicating a breach in infection prevention protocols. Additionally, during a dressing change for a resident with a left lateral heel pressure ulcer, the facility's infection preventionist and wound nurse did not follow proper infection control measures. The nurse failed to clean the overbed table before placing supplies on it, did not change gloves after removing the old dressing, and did not use enhanced barrier precautions, such as wearing a gown. The absence of a sign indicating the need for enhanced barrier precautions on the resident's door further highlighted the lapse in infection control practices. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing were informed of these deficiencies, which included improper medication handling and inadequate infection control during a dressing change. These observations demonstrate a failure to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, as required by the facility's infection prevention and control program.
Plan Of Correction
Cited: Employee's #8 was required to complete a medication administration pass competency with the DON. Employee #9 was required to complete a treatment completion competency and was provided education relating to adherence to Enhanced Barrier Precautions. Like: Licensed staff will complete a medication administrator competency directly related to infection prevention with medication preparation as well as following enhanced barrier precautions, and general infection control practices with dressing changes. Education: DON/designee will educate nursing staff to ensure medication administration follows infection control procedures as well as following enhanced barrier precautions, and general infection prevention practices with dressing changes. Audits: Infection Preventionist/designee will audit 4 residents weekly then monthly x2 months to ensure medication administration follows infection control guidelines. Results will be taken through QAPI.