HospitalInspections.org

Based on medical record review, review of facility policy, and interview, the facility failed to remove a saline lock (tube inserted into a vein) prior to discharge for one patient (#28) of five sampled patients.

The findings included:

Patient #28 presented to the Emergency Room on January 31, 2014, at 1:45 p.m., with complaint of altered level of consciousness.

Medical record review of a physician's order dated January 31, 2014, at 2:28 p.m., revealed, "...Saline lock..."

Medical record review of a nurse's note dated January 31, 2014, at 3:05 p.m., revealed, "IV est R (intravenous established Right) upper arm..."

Medical record review of a disposition note dated January 31, 2014, at 7:10 p.m., revealed, "...decision is discharge. Condition...stable..."

Medical record review of a nurse's note dated January 31, 2014, at 8:39 p.m., revealed, "...IV was not removed on discharge..."

Review of an undated facility policy titled "Discharge" provided by the facility on April 4, 2014, revealed, "Purpose: To prepare patient for continuing care. To assist patient and family in making necessary arrangements as discharge begins on admission...inserted IV or INT (Intermittent Needle Therapy) catheters with no indication for continued use, remove before discharge..."

Telephone interview with the Director of Risk Management on April 4, 2014, confirmed the facility failed to remove an intravenous catheter prior to discharge according to facility policy for Patient #28 on January 31, 2014.

C/O: #33333