Infection Control Lapses in Equipment Cleaning and Urinal Storage
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement proper infection control practices in two separate instances. In the first case, a black stand fan in a resident's room was observed with accumulated black and gray dust on both the front and back guard covers. Both a CNA and a respiratory therapist confirmed that the fan was dusty and should have been cleaned. The resident in this room had a history of respiratory failure with a tracheostomy and was on enhanced barrier precautions due to a gastric tube and trach. Facility staff, including the infection preventionist and assistant director of nursing, acknowledged that dust on equipment could contribute to the spread of germs and potentially cause respiratory infections, especially for residents with tracheostomies. In the second instance, a used plastic urinal was found inside another resident's personal belongings storage closet. The CNA present stated that the urinal should not have been placed on the closet shelves and should have been stored in a urinal holder or discarded if not in use. The resident involved had diagnoses including kidney failure, malignant melanoma, and abdominal surgical dehiscence, and also had a trach. Both the LVN and infection preventionist confirmed that improper storage of urinals could lead to surface contamination and the spread of infection. The DON stated that proper storage procedures were expected to be followed according to facility policy. Facility policies reviewed indicated requirements for maintaining clean and sanitary equipment and resident rooms, including damp wiping surfaces with germicidal solution and proper storage of bedpans and urinals. The observed failures to clean the fan and properly store the urinal were not in accordance with these policies and procedures.