Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During Wound Care and Improper Storage of Personal Care Supplies
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to follow infection control practices during wound care for a resident with multiple stage four pressure ulcers. During wound care, an LPN was observed preparing supplies, washing hands, and donning gown and gloves, but did not perform hand hygiene between removing and donning new gloves at several points in the procedure. The LPN also assisted with removing fecal matter and again failed to perform hand hygiene before continuing wound care. The facility's policy required staff to implement infection prevention and control procedures, and the Director of Health Services confirmed that staff had been educated on these requirements. Additionally, personal care supplies, including a wash basin and urinal, were observed in a resident restroom unlabeled, uncovered, and exposed to the environment on multiple occasions. The Director of Health Services confirmed that these items should have been covered and labeled, and stated they would be discarded. These observations indicate lapses in infection control practices related to both direct resident care and the storage of personal care items.