Failure to Document and Perform Required PICC Line Dressing Changes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line dressing changes were completed as required during the administration of intravenous antibiotics. The resident, who had a diagnosis including cellulitis of the lower right leg, was ordered to receive Cefepime HCl intravenously three times daily for a specified course. Review of the clinical record revealed a lack of documentation indicating that PICC line dressing changes were performed throughout the antibiotic treatment period. Facility policy, as provided by the President of Clinical Operation, requires that IV dressings be changed at least every 7 days or sooner if damp, loosened, or soiled. Staff confirmed that dressing changes should occur every 7 days, but there was no evidence in the record that this was done for the resident in question.