Failure to Implement Infection Control Precautions and Equipment Disinfection
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement appropriate infection prevention and control measures for residents exhibiting symptoms of respiratory infection and during blood glucose monitoring. Two residents with respiratory symptoms, including one diagnosed with pneumonia and another with a non-productive cough and fever, were not placed on contact or droplet precautions as required by facility policy and CDC guidelines. Observations revealed that neither resident had transmission-based precaution signage on their doors, nor was personal protective equipment available outside their rooms. Both residents were observed coughing frequently, with one unable to practice respiratory hygiene and seen contaminating bed linens, and both were allowed to interact with other residents in communal areas without precautions in place. Additionally, a registered nurse failed to disinfect a blood glucose meter after use on a resident, contrary to the facility's policy requiring cleaning and disinfection after each use with an EPA-approved cleaner. The blood glucose meter was placed on the medication cart without being sanitized, potentially contaminating the cart. The nurse was unsure of the required disinfection frequency and confirmed the lapse in protocol. The Assistant Director of Nursing later verified that bleach wipes should be used to disinfect blood glucose meters after each use.