HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of Hospital policy and interviews, the Hospital failed to ensure policies and accepted standards of practice related to IV catheter insertion and observation of the area just above the insertion site while administering medications/IV fluids were followed.

Findings included:

1. The Hospital policy that addressed intravenous (IV) catheter placement was reviewed. The policy stated: allow area just above insertion site to remain uncovered in order to view for assessment.

2. The Hospital policy that addressed administration of IV medications to infants was reviewed. The policy stated patency is evaluated by flushing the IV with N/S (normal saline) while looking at the site.

3. Newborn Nursery Staff Registered Nurse (RN) #1, was interviewed by telephone on 9/21/11 at 1:30 PM. RN #2 was interviewed in person on 9/21/11 at 7:45 am with the Nursing Director, and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator present at her request. RN #3 Was interviewed by telephone on 9/22/11 at 8:35 AM. RN #4 was interviewed in person on 9/20/11 at 2:40 PM with the Nursing Director, and Risk Manager present at her request. RN #1, RN #2, RN #3 and RN #4 said all newborns were sent to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for insertion of an IV and sometimes the insertion site and area above it cannot be visualized due to the tape placed to securing the IV.