Failure to Follow Infection Control During Incontinence Care
Penalty
Summary
A Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) failed to follow proper infection prevention and control procedures during incontinence care for a resident who required assistance with activities of daily living due to decreased mobility and multiple medical conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and a femur fracture. During the observed care, after cleansing the resident's perineal area following a bowel movement, the CNA did not wash her hands or change gloves before applying barrier cream and a new incontinence brief. Additionally, the CNA placed soiled linens on the floor of the resident's room instead of placing them in a bag or soiled linen container as required. The CNA confirmed during the observation that she did not perform hand hygiene, change gloves, or use a linen bag for soiled linens during the care process. The Director of Nursing also confirmed that proper procedures were not followed, stating that hands should be washed between perineal care and donning new gloves, and soiled linens should be immediately placed in a bag or linen barrel. The facility's perineal care policy required gloves to be worn and soiled items to be placed on an impermeable barrier, with gloves to be removed and hands washed following care, but did not provide specific guidance on hand hygiene or glove changes when applying barrier cream or a new brief.