Failure to Maintain Proper Infection Control for Suction Equipment
Penalty
Summary
During an observation in a resident's room, a yankauer suction device was found uncovered and exposed to air, resting on top of the suction machine. Additionally, both the yankauer and the suction canister were not dated. The resident involved had a medical history including dementia, acute respiratory failure with hypoxia, and hemiplegia. These findings were based on direct observation, interview, and record review. Interviews with facility staff revealed inconsistent knowledge regarding the appropriate frequency for changing and covering the yankauer and suction canister. One LVN was unsure of the required change interval, while the Infection Preventionist Nurse stated the yankauer should be changed every seven days, covered, and labeled. The DON indicated the yankauer should be changed after each use and not left open to air. The facility was unable to provide a policy and procedure regarding infection control practices for the yankauer, indicating a lack of established protocol.