Failure to Provide Proper Perineal Care for Dependent Resident
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide proper perineal care to a resident who required substantial assistance with activities of daily living due to diagnoses including renal insufficiency, chronic respiratory failure, muscle weakness, and moderately impaired cognitive skills. During an observed care episode, a CNA assisted the resident after use of a bed pan by cleaning only the mid-gluteal region with a single swipe, neglecting to cleanse the vaginal area, buttocks, or thighs. The soiled brief was replaced with a clean one, but the perineal area was not properly cleaned according to facility policy. When questioned, one staff member did not respond regarding the condition of the brief, while another confirmed it was a little wet. After further questioning, the CNA admitted to not cleansing the resident's vaginal area and then attempted to clean the area by pulling back the clean brief and wiping anteriorly, but replaced the same soiled brief. The resident later expressed dissatisfaction with previous care, stating that a staff member had told her to urinate in her brief rather than providing the requested bed pan. Facility policy requires thorough perineal care, including washing from front to back and cleaning all relevant areas, which was not followed in this instance.