Failure to Label and Timely Discontinue Peripheral IV Access
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary care and services for a resident with a peripheral IV (PIV) access. Observation revealed that the resident's PIV site was not labeled as required by the facility's policy, which specifies that the dressing should include the date and time of placement, staff initials, gauge size, and catheter length. Additionally, the PIV was not discontinued after IV therapy was completed, despite the facility's policy stating that peripheral catheters should be removed if not used for 24 hours or if therapy is discontinued. The resident's IV antibiotics were discontinued, and oral antibiotics were started, yet the PIV remained in place and unlabeled. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON confirmed that there were no active physician orders for IV medication or maintenance, and that the PIV should have been discontinued after the completion of IV antibiotics. The staff acknowledged that the PIV had not been used since the previous week and that it should have been removed to prevent potential complications. The failure to follow policy regarding labeling and timely removal of the PIV was verified through observation, interview, and medical record review.