Failure to Use PPE During Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Resident with Gastrostomy Tube
Penalty
Summary
A registered nurse entered the room of a resident who was under enhanced barrier precautions due to a gastrostomy tube and administered medication and a bolus feed without donning an isolation gown. The resident's clinical record indicated diagnoses including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, vascular disorder of the intestine, gastrostomy status, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The resident had a physician's order for enhanced barrier precautions specifically related to the gastrostomy tube. Facility policy required the use of personal protective equipment, including gowns and gloves, when performing high-contact resident care activities such as feeding tube care. Interviews with the Director of Nursing and an LPN confirmed that staff were expected to wear gowns and gloves when providing care to residents under enhanced barrier precautions, including during medication administration and tube feeding. The observation and record review demonstrated that these protocols were not followed for this resident.