Failure to Use Gloves When Preparing Hazardous Medication
Penalty
Summary
A Registered Nurse (RN) failed to follow facility policy and procedure by not wearing gloves while preparing finasteride, a medication labeled as a hazardous drug, for a resident. During a medication administration observation, the RN was seen preparing five medications, including finasteride, without using gloves, despite the medication blister pack being clearly marked with a red sticker indicating it was hazardous. The RN later confirmed awareness of the hazardous label and acknowledged that gloves should have been used during preparation. Interviews with the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Facility Pharmacist Consultant (FPC) confirmed that gloves are required when preparing finasteride, as per facility policy and due to the drug's potential risks. The facility's policy on hazardous drugs specifies that staff must use protective equipment, such as gloves, when handling these medications. The report also notes that finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and poses particular risks to women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant.