Infection Control Deficiencies in Respiratory Equipment, Linen, and Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified multiple deficiencies in the facility's infection prevention and control practices. During a walkthrough, it was observed that one resident's oxygen nasal tubing was wrapped around a standing oxygen canister handle without any sanitary storage, while another resident's nebulizer mask was placed directly on a bedside table without a sanitary storage bag. Additionally, a third resident's supplemental oxygen tank tubing and nasal cannula were found resting on the seat of a wheelchair, again without a sanitary storage bag. These observations indicate that respiratory equipment was not stored in a sanitary manner as required. Further deficiencies were noted in the handling of clean linens and urinary catheter care. Clean linens were found placed on an Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) cart outside a resident's room, rather than being stored in a sanitary manner within the room. In another instance, a resident's Foley catheter drainage bag, containing urine, was observed lying directly on the floor and lacking a privacy cover. Interviews with nursing staff confirmed that these practices were inconsistent with facility policy and proper infection control procedures.