Failure to Perform Timely PICC Dressing Change and Label IV Medication
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide adequate care and services for a resident with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) by not performing the required dressing change every five days and not labeling the intravenous (IV) antibiotic medication administered through the PICC. The resident, who had diagnoses including cellulitis, paraplegia, and a stage 4 pressure ulcer, was dependent on staff for multiple activities of daily living. The care plan and physician orders specified that the PICC dressing should be changed every five days and that medications should be administered as ordered, with staff monitoring for signs of infection. Record review and observations revealed that there was no documentation of the PICC line dressing being changed as required, and the dressing observed was two days overdue. Additionally, the IV Vancomycin bag being administered was not labeled with the resident's name, dosage, route, preparation date, or expiration date. Staff interviews confirmed the missed dressing change and the lack of labeling on the IV medication. Facility policy required proper care and labeling to prevent complications, but these procedures were not followed.