IV Catheter Insertion Date Not Labeled on Resident's Dressing
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with chronic kidney disease, hypokalemia, hyperlipidemia, and vitamin D deficiency was observed receiving intravenous (IV) fluids through a catheter inserted in the left wrist. The IV catheter's outer dressing did not display the date of insertion, as required by facility policy. The resident had severely impaired cognition and was unable to make medical decisions independently. Documentation in the resident's chart confirmed an order for a new IV catheter, but there was no indication that the date of insertion was labeled on the catheter dressing. During interviews and observations, a registered nurse confirmed that RNs are responsible for all aspects of IV care, including documentation and labeling. The nurse acknowledged the absence of the date on the IV catheter and stated uncertainty about why it was missing. Facility policy specifies that after taping the IV catheter in place, a label with the date of insertion should be applied to the catheter dressing. The lack of a date could impact the ability of staff to determine when the IV site should be changed.