Failure to Use Required PPE During High-Contact Care on Enhanced Barrier Precautions
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) failed to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while providing high-contact care to a resident on enhanced barrier precautions (EBP). During an observation, the LPN entered the resident's room, which was clearly marked with EBP signage requiring the use of gloves and a gown for high-contact activities such as device care involving a central line. The LPN donned gloves but did not wear a gown while priming and connecting a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line and administering intravenous (IV) Vancomycin to the resident. When questioned, the LPN stated a belief that a gown was only necessary for direct contact, interpreting the EBP requirements as not applying to IV administration since the IV was "contained." The Director of Nursing (DON) later confirmed that a gown should have been worn during this procedure. Review of the facility's EBP policy indicated that gown and glove use is required for high-contact resident care activities, including device care or use such as central lines.