Failure to Implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions During Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was observed handling an indwelling catheter bag for a resident on enhanced barrier precautions without wearing any personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically gloves or a gown, as required by facility policy. The LPN picked up the catheter bag from the floor without donning PPE, despite the facility's urinary catheterization policy defining enhanced barrier precautions as the use of both gown and gloves during such care. The Infection Preventionist confirmed that gloves should be worn when handling indwelling catheter bags, and the LPN acknowledged that PPE should have been used but stated she did not have gloves in her pocket and was unsure if gloves were available in the resident's bathroom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance was referenced regarding the importance of enhanced barrier precautions to reduce the transfer of multi-drug resistant organisms.