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HUGH CHATHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
INFECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
Tag No.: A0749
Based on review of policy, observation and staff interviews, the facility staff failed to demonstrate proper infection control practice by failing to clean a glucometer after use on a patient in 1 of 1 observation.
Findings include:
Review of hospital policy titled "Nova Glucometers" last revised 04/24/2012 revealed "EXPECTED OUTCOME The nurse is to be able to measure blood glucose concentration at patient's bedside...SUPPLEMENTAL DATA...4. Meter is to be cleaned before and after testing...Clean with a 10% bleach solution or disinfectant wipe...5. Nursing is responsible for competency testing for all staff members on an annual basis..."
Open record review revealed Patient (Pt) #11 was a 52 year-old female admitted to the hospital on 09/09/2019 with Pneumonia. Observation of an in-patient nursing unit on 09/11/2019 at 1145 revealed Registered Nurse (RN) #4 performed a point of care test on Pt #11 using a glucometer. Observation revealed RN #4 verified Pt #11's name and date of birth. Observation revealed RN #4 placed the glucometer on Pt #11's bed. Observation revealed RN #4 used a disposable lancet to puncture Pt #11's fingertip. Observation revealed RN #4 picked the glucometer up off the bed and applied the blood specimen to the test strip. Observation revealed RN #4 removed the test strip from the glucometer, disposed of the testing supplies and performed hand hygiene. Observation revealed RN #4 placed the glucometer in the drawer of the portable medication cart. Observation failed to provide evidence RN #4 cleaned the glucometer after use per hospital policy.
Review of RN #4's personnel file revealed glucometer competency was validated on 09/12/2018.
Interview with RN #4 on 09/11/2019 at 1200 revealed she did not clean the glucometer after use. Interview further revealed RN #4 only cleaned the glucometer after use on a patient that was on isolation precautions.
Interview with the Clinical Nurse Manager on 09/11/2019 at 1210 revealed her expectation was the glucometer was cleaned after each patient use.
NC00155034