Improper Storage of Antiseptic Cleanser in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with severely impaired cognition, as indicated by a BIMS score of 3 and a care plan noting an ADL self-care deficit, was found to have hibiclens antiseptic skin cleanser stored on a bathroom shelf in her room. Multiple observations on consecutive days confirmed the presence of the hibiclens in the resident's bathroom. The resident's medical history included heart failure, altered mental status, anxiety, and high blood pressure, and she required supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, including bathroom use and showers. Interviews with facility staff, including an LVN, the DON, and the Administrator, confirmed that the hibiclens antiseptic cleanser should not have been accessible in the resident's room and should have been stored in a locked medication room or cart. The facility's policy required that medications be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel. Staff acknowledged that the presence of the hibiclens in the resident's bathroom was a failure to follow policy and placed the resident and others at risk, as the cleanser is not intended for resident possession.