Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocol During Vomiting Episode
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) failed to follow the facility's infection control policy and procedure when responding to a resident who was at risk of vomiting. Instead of providing a clean basin, the LVN offered the resident a trash can, which is not considered a sanitary option due to the potential presence of bacteria. This action was identified during a review of the resident's progress notes and confirmed through interviews with the facility's Infection Preventionist and a Registered Nurse, both of whom stated that a clean basin should have been used to prevent cross-contamination. The resident involved had a medical history including type 2 diabetes mellitus with hyperglycemia and hypertension, and was assessed as having the capacity to understand and make decisions. The resident required supervision for activities of daily living but had an intact thought process. The facility's infection control policy, last reviewed in April 2025, requires the use of proper infection control procedures to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, which was not followed in this instance.