Unattended Razor Left at Bedside
Penalty
Summary
Nursing staff failed to provide an environment free from accident hazards by leaving an open and unattended razor on a bedside table next to a resident's bed. Facility policy requires that contaminated sharps be discarded immediately into designated containers, but this protocol was not followed. The open razor was observed during a room check, and both an LPN and the Director of Nursing confirmed that razors should not be left open and unattended. The resident involved had a history of cerebral infarction, PTSD, anxiety, diabetes, depression, and seizures, and was assessed as cognitively intact but dependent on staff for personal hygiene, including shaving. The resident's care plan noted a risk for behaviors related to using objects to scratch the skin, which had previously led to skin compromise. Despite these risks, the razor was left accessible at the bedside, contrary to facility policy and the resident's care needs.