Infection Control Breaches During Wound Care, Equipment Storage, and Wheelchair Maintenance
Penalty
Summary
During wound care for a resident, a registered nurse repeatedly touched her glasses while performing the procedure and did not realize this action, which compromised infection control standards. Additionally, a nurse aide placed a bath basin of water and wash cloths on the over-the-bed table that was being used as a sterile field for the wound care, further breaching sterile technique. Both staff members acknowledged these actions when interviewed, and the corporate registered nurse confirmed these events as breaches of infection control. In another instance, a nebulizer machine and mask belonging to a resident were observed sitting on the floor next to the resident's bed. The registered nurse supervisor was notified and immediately removed the items from the floor. Additionally, a resident's wheelchair was found to have a tear in the covering of the back rest, exposing the inner padding. Both a nurse aide and the infection control manager acknowledged the condition of the wheelchair, with the infection control manager stating she was previously unaware of its state.