Failure to Follow Infection Control Practices During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) failed to follow infection prevention and control practices during medication administration. The LVN was observed removing a Metoprolol tablet from a medicine cup using a bare forefinger, rather than using appropriate tools or gloves. Additionally, the LVN did not disinfect the blood pressure (BP) apparatus or stethoscope before or after use on a resident. The BP apparatus was returned to the medication cart without being cleaned, and the stethoscope was placed back around the LVN's neck without disinfection. The resident involved was being assessed for blood pressure prior to medication administration, as the medication was not to be given if the systolic blood pressure was below 110 mmHg. The LVN measured the resident's blood pressure, determined it was too low to administer the medication, and then handled the medication directly with a bare finger. Both the Infection Preventionist and the Director of Nursing confirmed that these actions were not in accordance with facility policy, which requires cleaning and disinfection of reusable resident-care equipment between uses to prevent contamination or cross-contamination.