Failure to Label IV Dressing According to Infection Control Standards
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple diagnoses, including cellulitis, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis, was observed to have a peripheral intravenous (IV) line dressing on her right hand that was not labeled with the date and initials as required by facility policy and professional standards. The resident was receiving IV medications and hydration for cellulitis and had orders for both IV fluids and antibiotics. The care plan and physician orders specified monitoring and care of the IV site, including daily checks and dressing changes as needed. During observation, it was noted that while the resident's left wrist IV dressing was properly labeled, the right hand IV dressing lacked both the date and initials. Interviews with the charge nurse, ADON, and DON confirmed that the dressing should have been labeled to track when it was inserted and to ensure timely dressing changes. The charge nurse acknowledged missing the labeling and stated she would remove the unlabeled IV because the duration it had been in place was unknown. Both the ADON and DON reiterated the importance of labeling to prevent infection and ensure compliance with the facility's protocols. Review of facility policies and competency checklists confirmed that labeling IV dressings with the date and initials is a standard requirement, and that IV sites are to be rotated every 72 hours. The failure to label the IV dressing was contrary to both facility policy and professional standards, as documented in the facility's infection prevention and control program and IV administration policies.