Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to adhere to established infection control practices during wound care for a resident with multiple medical conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with a foot ulcer, cerebral infarction, muscle wasting, and a fungal skin infection. During an observed wound care procedure, the LPN responsible did not remove the resident's personal items or sanitize the side table before placing a barrier pad and beginning treatment. This action was not in accordance with the facility's wound care policy, which requires preparation of a clean, dry work area at the bedside. Additionally, the LPN did not perform hand hygiene between glove changes throughout the wound care process, despite the resident's care plan specifically noting the risk for multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) infections and the need for proper hand hygiene. Both the LPN and the Director of Nursing confirmed during interviews that these infection control steps were omitted, acknowledging that the required procedures were not followed during the resident's wound care treatment.