Failure to Maintain Infection Control Practices and Prevent Cross-Contamination
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices, resulting in cross-contamination risks. In one instance, a CNA provided incontinence care to a resident who was frequently incontinent of bowel and bladder. The CNA, while wearing the same gloves used for incontinence care, inserted her fingers into a multi-use container of petroleum jelly, applied it to the resident's buttocks, and then replaced the lid on the jar. The same jar was then placed in the clean linen cart with briefs and clean linen, despite facility policy stating that such containers should not be used for multiple residents to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, a CNA was observed in the dining room supervising residents while drinking a slushee. The CNA shared her drink with two residents, which was confirmed by both an LPN and the DON as being against facility policy and inappropriate. The facility's infection prevention policy requires standard precautions for all residents to prevent the spread of infection, considering all body fluids, excretions, and secretions as potentially infectious.