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Based on observation, interview, and record review, the hospital failed to ensure intravenous line (IV, tube inserted into the vein for administration of fluids and medications) dressings were properly labeled according to the hospital's policy for two of two sampled patients (Patients 7 and 8).

This failure had the potential for patients' IV sites not to be properly monitored, which could lead to negative clinical outcomes.

Findings:

During the initial tour of the hospital, on 5/30/17 at 10:48 am, with Administrative Nurse (Admin Nurse) A, Patient 7's IV dressing was observed without any information written on it. There was no date, time of insertion, or staff initials to show when or who had inserted the IV. During a concurrent interview, Admin Nurse A confirmed Patient 7's IV dressing was not properly labeled.

On 5/30/17 at 10:55 am, Patient 8's IV dressing was observed without a label or information to indicate the date and time of insertion, or staff initials, to show who had inserted the IV. During a concurrent interview, Admin Nurse A confirmed Patient 8's IV dressing was not labeled and that the hospital policy to document the date, time, and initials of the inserter on the dressing was not followed.

Review of the hospital's policy titled, "Peripheral Intravenous Catheter: Preparation, Insertion, Maintenance, and Discontinuation," dated 2/13/17, indicated that all patient IV dressings were to be labeled.