Failure to Follow Infection Control Protocols During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a certified nursing assistant (CNA) failed to follow proper infection control practices during incontinence care for a resident diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, diabetes, muscle weakness, and tremors. The resident was cognitively intact but dependent on staff for toileting due to upper and lower extremity impairment on one side. During an observed care episode, the CNA washed her hands and donned gloves before providing incontinence care for a small bowel movement. After completing the care and redressing the resident, the CNA, still wearing the same gloves, touched the resident's call light and bed controls before removing her gloves and performing hand hygiene. Interviews with the CNA, a registered nurse (RN), and the director of nursing (DON) confirmed that gloves should have been removed and hand hygiene performed before touching any items in the resident's environment after providing incontinence care. The facility's current hand hygiene policy also required all personnel to follow handwashing procedures to prevent the spread of infections. The failure to remove gloves and perform hand hygiene before touching environmental surfaces constituted a breach of infection control protocols.