Germicidal Wipes Left in Resident Room
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a container of germicidal wipes was left inside the room of a cognitively intact female resident with a medically complex condition, including a diagnosis of esophageal neoplasm. The wipes were observed on a table near the resident's door, and the resident confirmed that the container had been in the room for some time, with aides using them to clean items in the room. Multiple staff members, including an LVN, CNA, ADON, and DON, acknowledged that germicidal wipes should not be left in resident rooms due to the potential for adverse effects such as skin or eye irritation and possible ingestion, regardless of the resident's cognitive status. Facility policy requires that cleaning supplies and potentially harmful substances be stored away from resident areas and as instructed on product labels. Staff interviews revealed a lack of awareness or oversight regarding the presence of the wipes in the resident's room, and no one could identify who left the container there. The incident demonstrated a failure to ensure the resident's environment was free from accident hazards and toxic chemicals, as required by facility policy and standard practice.