HospitalInspections.org

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Based on observation, documentation, and interview, in one (1) of two (2) Nursing Units observation, nursing staff did not: (a) implement the facility's intravenous (IV) medication protocol; and (b) maintain a clean and sanitary environment for the provision of patient care.

These failures placed all patients at risk for potential infection.

Findings include:

(a) A tour of the facility Nursing Unit 4C, room 21, on 05/10/2023, at 2:21 PM, it was observed that a patient's IV catheter insertion site dressing did not have the date of catheter placement nor the initials of the staff who inserted the catheter. It was also observed that the IV pump was turned off with two empty IV medication infusion bags still attached to the pump and the patient's IV access site.

Facility policy and procedure, titled "Peripheral IV Catheters including Extended Dwell Catheters, Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal-Adult", last revised 12/09/2021, instructs that "Peripheral IV sites should be covered with a sterile transparent dressing and labeled with the date of insertion and initials of the inserter." The policy also instructs "An IV bag without medication can hang for up to 24 hours or until empty, whichever comes first."

The policy lacks instruction to staff on how soon to remove empty IV medication infusion bags or to disconnect from patient.

(b) During the tour, unsanitary conditions were observed in Nursing Unit 4C, room 21, on 05/10/2023 at 2:21 PM.

Patient's condom catheter was found hanging off the bed with the tip touching the floor.

Two (2) Suction canisters, attached to the wall, were soiled with dried secretions, no date indicated on either canister.

Nasal cannula, attached to O2 regulator, was soiled with dried blood.

The facility was unable to provide a policy, when requested multiple times, for any of these infection control issues. They lack a policy to specifically address criteria for the disposal of single-use medical supplies.

Per Interview with Staff B, Nurse Manager Unit 4C, who was present during the tour, she acknowledged findings.