Resident Exposed to Bleach Wipes During Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with diagnoses including hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, and depression reported that a nurse aide used bleach wipes, intended for cleaning surfaces, directly on her skin during overnight care. The resident stated she told the aide to stop, but the aide continued wiping her back and buttocks with the bleach wipes. The resident subsequently experienced itching, discomfort, and a burning sensation, and was later found to have mild redness in the peri-area upon assessment. The wipes used were identified as germicidal bleach wipes, which are not intended for use on skin, and the resident confirmed the product by its blue lid and labeling. The incident was reported during a resident council group interview and subsequently relayed to facility administration. The nurse aide involved had received prior training on abuse and neglect. Facility documentation and staff interviews confirmed the use of bleach wipes on the resident, and the resident's skin evaluation corroborated her complaints of irritation. The facility failed to maintain an environment free from neglect and did not provide necessary goods and services as required by regulation.