Infection Control Breach During Insulin Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when RN #1 failed to maintain appropriate infection control measures during the administration of insulin to Resident #20. The RN removed the insulin pen from the medication room, sanitized it, applied a new needle, and primed the pen. After setting the correct insulin dose, the RN left the medication room and, while verifying the physician's order at the nurses' station, proceeded to the resident's room. In the resident's room, the RN placed the uncapped insulin pen on the sink ledge while performing hand hygiene, and later held the uncapped pen under her arm while washing her hands. During an interview, the RN stated that she believed the sink ledge was sanitary due to daily cleaning by housekeeping, but acknowledged that holding the pen under her arm was not safe or sanitary.