Failure to Maintain Infection Control During Enteral Medication Administration and Mealtime Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a licensed nurse, while administering medications via a gastrostomy tube (GT) to a resident with dysphagia, dropped the red cap of the GT port onto the floor and then reattached the contaminated cap to the GT port. The nurse acknowledged that this action could result in infection, and the facility's policy required strict aseptic technique during enteral nutrition administration. The resident's medical record indicated a need for regular GT tube flushing before and after medication administration. Another deficiency was observed when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) assisted a resident with a history of COVID-19 and severe cognitive impairment during mealtime. The CNA, while separating two stacked nosey cups, touched the inside of the cup with her bare hands and long fingernails before pouring a drink and assisting the resident. Both the infection preventionist and the CNA acknowledged that this practice did not adhere to infection control standards, and the facility's policy required following standard precautions in all situations.