Failure to Maintain Proper Infection Control for Catheter and Oxygen Equipment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices for three residents. One resident's urinary catheter collection bag was observed lying flat on the floor with visible urine in the bag and tubing, rather than being properly hung on the bed frame with a privacy bag. The same resident's catheter bag was later observed correctly hung, but the initial failure to keep the bag off the floor was not in accordance with facility policy, which requires cleansing or replacement if the bag or tubing contacts the floor. Additionally, two residents' nasal cannulas (NC) were not properly stored when not in use. One resident's NC tubing was found hanging over a walker railing without a storage bag, and another resident's NC was found lying on the floor. An administrative nurse picked up the NC from the floor and handed it back to the resident for use without replacing it, contrary to facility policy that requires replacement if oxygen equipment contacts the floor. These lapses in infection control practices were confirmed by the facility's infection preventionist and were not consistent with the facility's written policies.