Failure to Maintain Infection Control During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
During a medication administration observation, an LPN failed to follow infection control protocols for three residents. After checking one resident's blood pressure, the LPN did not perform hand hygiene before preparing medication for the next resident. The LPN was also observed dropping medication onto the medication cart, then picking it up with an ungloved hand and placing it back into the medication cup for administration. Additionally, the LPN used an ungloved hand to remove medication from the cup prior to crushing it for administration. These actions were confirmed during an interview with the LPN, who acknowledged not performing hand hygiene and handling medication without gloves. Review of the facility's policy indicated that pills should never be touched with bare hands to prevent contamination.