Infection Control Failures in Equipment Storage and Hand Hygiene
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection prevention and control practices for multiple residents. One resident's urinary catheter bag was observed resting on the floor without a dignity bag, with visible urine in the collection bag. Another resident's CPAP mask was left on the bedside table and not stored in a sanitary manner. Additionally, a syringe used for gastrostomy tube medication administration was not stored in a sanitary, dated, or covered manner, and was placed directly onto the bottom of a medication tray. Staff were observed failing to perform adequate hand hygiene during medication administration and resident care. A certified medication aide touched the rims of disposable cups while handing them to a resident. A licensed nurse prepared and administered topical medications to three residents in succession, repeatedly failing to perform hand hygiene between glove changes and between residents. The same nurse also failed to perform hand hygiene before and after handling a syringe for gastrostomy tube medication administration, and placed the used syringe in a manner that could lead to contamination. Interviews with staff confirmed a lack of adherence to infection control protocols, including proper storage of respiratory equipment, hand hygiene practices, and handling of medical devices. Facility policies required sanitary storage of equipment, proper hand hygiene, and safe medication administration practices, but these were not consistently followed, resulting in multiple observed deficiencies.