Failure to Follow Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow infection control standards for Enhanced Barrier Precautions during wound care for two residents with wounds and indwelling medical devices. For one resident with a neck wound and an enteral feeding device, an LPN performed wound care without sanitizing the bandage scissors before or after use, and initially failed to cover the wound with gauze as ordered. The LPN also placed the used scissors in her pocket without cleaning them, and there was no wound care policy outlining standard precautions available at the facility. For another resident with a left thigh wound and an enteral feeding device, an LPN placed wound care supplies directly onto the overbed table without sanitizing the surface or using a clean barrier. The LPN also placed an opened roll of gauze and absorbent dressings directly on the table, then returned the partially used supplies to a communal wound cart for use on other residents. The interim Director of Nursing confirmed that standard precautions and infection control measures were not followed during these wound care procedures.