Uncovered Medical Tubing Leads to Infection Control Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident's tube feeding tubing and continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) tubing were left uncovered and open to air after being disconnected from the resident. Observation revealed that the tubing remained connected to the source, but the ends intended for the resident were not protected with appropriate coverings, as required by both the manufacturer's directions for use and the facility's infection control policies. The facility's policies specified that protective caps or tip protectors should be used when tubing is not in use to prevent contamination. Interviews with staff, including the nurse responsible for the resident, the Infection Preventionist, and the Director of Nursing, confirmed that the expected practice was not followed. The nurse was unaware of the specific covers for the tubing and acknowledged that leaving the ends open could expose the resident to germs. The Infection Preventionist and DON both stated that staff were expected to adhere to infection control policies, and that failure to cover the tubing increased the risk of infection.