Failure to Follow Infection Control Procedures During Medication Administration
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) failed to follow infection control procedures during medication administration for a resident with multiple medical diagnoses, including cerebral infarction, dysphagia, vascular dementia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The LPN was observed preparing medications by placing aspirin, Oyster Calcium, and senna tablets directly into her bare hands before transferring them into a medication cup. The medications were then crushed and mixed with applesauce prior to administration to the resident. During an interview, the LPN confirmed that she had handled the medications with her bare hands. Review of the facility's medication administration policy revealed that staff are required to perform hand hygiene before medication preparation and avoid touching the inside of medication cups or medications with bare hands. The policy also states that any medication coming into contact with bare hands should be disposed of and replaced. The observed actions were not in accordance with the facility's policy, resulting in a deficiency finding.