Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Medication Administration and Equipment Use
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices during medication administration and use of reusable equipment for three residents. Specifically, three nurses did not perform hand hygiene before and after glove use, did not clean the skin prior to applying transdermal patches, and did not disinfect reusable equipment such as blood pressure cuffs and glucometers between resident use. These actions were observed during medication administration and vital sign checks, and were confirmed through staff interviews, where the nurses acknowledged the lapses in protocol. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including conditions such as pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, and post-surgical orthopedic care. Despite facility policies and CDC guidelines requiring hand hygiene and equipment disinfection, these procedures were not followed during direct care activities. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the expected practices were not adhered to by the staff involved.