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Based on observation, document review and interview, the Nursing Staff did not ensure that intravenous (IV) access sites were labeled as per facility Policy and Procedure, in three (3) of three (3) observations.

This potentially placed patients at risk for adverse occurrences.

Findings:

Observations in the facility's Medical Telemetry Unit during a tour between 10:15AM and 11:45AM on 11/27/18 identified the following:

Patient #8 had a peripheral IV catheter in her right hand. The catheter was not labeled with the date of insertion, size of the IV catheter and initial of the inserter.

The same lack of peripheral IV catheter labeling was observed for Patients #7 and #9 during the observation period from 10:15AM to 11:45AM on 11/27/18.

During an interview with Staff D (Nurse Manager Medical Telemetry) at the time of the observations, Staff D confirmed these findings.

The facility Policy and Procedure titled "IV Insertion (Short Peripheral Catheters) Adult" last revised 10/20/16, stated the following: "Insertion:...IV sites should be covered with a sterile transparent dressing and labeled with the date of insertion, size of the IV catheter and initial of the inserter."