Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a licensed nurse opened three small beverage cartons during mealtime by touching the spout with her bare finger and then proceeded to feed a resident. This action was observed in the south dining room, where two residents were waiting to be served. The method used to open the cartons did not follow proper infection control practices, as confirmed by both the restorative nursing assistant and the licensed nurse during subsequent interviews. Both staff members acknowledged that touching the spout is an infection control issue. Further review of the facility's infection prevention and control policy revealed that it lacked specific definitions and instructions regarding standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection during resident care activities. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that staff should not open beverage cartons by touching the spout due to infection control concerns. The deficiency was based on direct observation, staff interviews, and a review of facility policy and CDC recommendations.