Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to adhere to infection control protocols while providing care to a resident under Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). The resident, who had a Foley catheter due to bladder incontinence and was alert with a BIMS score of 8, was observed receiving catheter care from an LPN and a nursing assistant. Despite clear signage outside the resident's room specifying that gloves and gowns must be worn for high-contact care activities, including catheter care and changing briefs, both staff members only donned gloves and did not wear gowns during the procedure. During the observed care, the staff entered the room, pulled the privacy curtain, and proceeded to remove the resident's brief, clean the perineum and catheter, and apply a new brief, all without donning gowns or changing gloves. The soiled linens were disposed of appropriately, but the required PPE protocol was not followed. The unit manager confirmed that EBP protocols were not adhered to during this episode of care.