Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During IV Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) failed to follow appropriate infection control practices during the administration of intravenous medication through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line for a resident. The resident had a history of methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection, type two diabetes, and infective endocarditis, and was under contact isolation precautions. The LPN entered the resident's room, donned gloves and a gown without performing hand hygiene, prepared the antibiotic solution, and handled personal items before accessing the PICC line. The LPN scrubbed the hub of the PICC access cap and administered the medication without performing hand hygiene or changing gloves after touching room equipment and clothing. The LPN confirmed during an interview that she forgot to perform hand hygiene prior to donning personal protective equipment and before accessing the PICC line. The Director of Nursing also verified that hand hygiene should have been performed at these points. Facility policy required hand washing with soap and water and glove application before medication administration and after resident contact, but these procedures were not followed during the observed medication administration.