Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During IV Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a nurse (LVN) administered intravenous antibiotics to a resident with a PICC line and a left foot wound under Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP). The nurse brought the entire medication cart into the resident's room, which was clearly marked with EBP signage instructing staff to clean their hands before entering and leaving, and to wear gloves and gowns for high-contact care activities. After administering the medication, the nurse removed the cart from the room without sanitizing it and intended to continue using it for medication administration to other residents. The resident involved had a history of osteomyelitis in the left ankle and foot, chronic kidney disease stage 4, and diabetes mellitus, and was admitted for long-term care due to a bone infection. The resident was assessed with mild cognitive impairment and had a PICC line for intravenous medication. The resident confirmed that staff wore PPE during care and that he received medications via his PICC line. Facility policy and CDC guidelines require that equipment not be taken into EBP rooms unless sanitized after use, and that reusable items potentially contaminated with infectious materials be handled according to strict protocols. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the nurse's actions were not in compliance with these requirements, specifically noting that the medication cart should not have been taken into the EBP room and that failure to sanitize the cart posed a risk of cross-contamination.