Failure to Document PICC Line Measurements for Resident Receiving IV Therapy
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to document numerical values for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) measurements for a resident receiving intravenous (IV) antibiotics for osteomyelitis. The resident's medical records, including the Medication Administration Records (MAR) and progress notes for multiple dates, showed only check marks instead of the required numerical values for both the catheter length and arm circumference measurements. Facility policy and physician orders required weekly documentation of these measurements to monitor for catheter displacement or arm swelling. During interviews, a registered nurse confirmed that numerical values should be documented to track changes in the PICC line and arm circumference. The resident reported that staff did not measure or record the catheter length or arm circumference as required. The facility's policy on central venous catheter care emphasized the importance of monitoring for risks such as infection, thrombosis, and dislodgement, but the required documentation was not completed.