Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** The facility reported a census of 64 residents which included 16 residents sampled. Based on observation, interview and record review, the facility failed to provide a sanitary and safe environment to prevent cross contamination and infection related to provision appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for 13 residents (R)1, R 4, R 11, R 19, R 25, R 26, R 37, R 38, R 40, R 48, R 50, R 55, and R 57, which required enhanced barrier precautions to be in place and available for nine residents with catheters (R 1, R 26, R 11, R 55, R19, R 37, R 50, R 04, R 25), five residents with wounds (R 38, R 40, R 19, R 50, and R 25), two residents with percutaneous enteral gastrostomy tube (PEG- artificial opening through the abdominal wall where a catheter is placed to supply nutrition), (R 37 and R 48), four residents (R 55, R 38, R 48, and R 57 of the 13 identified residents that required enhanced barrier precautions during care received therapy.
Additionally, the facility failed to provide safe and sanitary handling of glucometer (a device used to measure glucose/sugar content of the blood) between residents hand hygiene with don (application) and doffing (removal) of gloves, to prevent cross contamination and infections for residents (R)34, R 56, and R 113 related to glucometer use.
Furthermore, the facility failed to provide appropriate catheter care and hand hygiene for R1 and R 25 to prevent infection and prevent cross contamination.
Findings included:
- On 04/11/24 at 09:46 AM, Licensed Nurse (LN) P reported he had three blood sugars order for two hours after meals. He stated that each resident had their own glucometer to test their blood sugar, which was maintained in a closed container and stored in their rooms. LN P stated the facility kept a community glucometer contained in a closed plastic container stored in the treatment cart to use in the event of a new admission and/or inability to locate the resident's personal glucometer. He removed the community glucometer from the treatment cart and examined the content of the box which contained the glucometer, lancets (device to stick finger to obtain a blood sample), container of test strips, cotton balls, and alcohol swab. LN P stated when the staff used the community glucometer, they were required to sanitize the glucometer after each use and between each resident to prevent cross contamination and prevention of blood borne pathogens. He explained further the wipes for sanitizing the glucometer were in the drawer of the medication cart. LN P verified the order for Resident (R) 34 on the electronic health record (EHR). The order directed staff to check the resident's blood sugar fasting, two hours after meals, call the physician if the resident's blood glucose/sugar reading was below 60 and/or above 350. LN P proceeded to the resident's room and determined the resident did not have his individual glucometer present in the room. He returned to the cart and removed the Community glucometer container, stating he could not locate the resident's glucometer in his room. LN P reentered the room, retrieved gloves from the box by the door and applied the gloves without performing hand hygiene. Upon inquiry, he stated he should have washed his hands prior to applying the gloves. He placed the glucometer container on the resident's dresser, then removed the gloves and disposed of them in the resident's trash can. He provided hand hygiene and applied gloves. He then picked up the glucometer container from the dresser with his gloved hand. He reached into his scrub uniform pocket with his gloved hand and pulled out his cell phone and explained he needed to shut his phone off. He swiped his gloved hand across the cell phone screen and replaced the cell phone in his pocket. LN P then picked up the glucometer with his gloved hand, approached the resident and explained that he was going to check the resident's blood sugar. The resident agreed and LN P cleansed the third finger of the resident's left hand with an alcohol swab, while continuing to wear the same gloves. He then used the lancet to obtain a blood sample which he then applied to the test strip, applied a cotton ball to the resident's sampled finger while continuing to wear the same gloves. The nurse removed his gloves, performed hand hygiene, disposed of the paper towels in the resident's trash can, placed the glucometer in the container which sat directly on the resident's dresser, and took it to the treatment cart, opened the drawer and placed it in the cart without sanitizing the glucometer or the container. He proceeded to set the container with the glucometer directly on top of the medication cart, opened the drawer of the cart and insert the glucometer container in the drawer with other stored medications. LN P did not sanitize the surface of the medication cart nor the glucometer or its container. He then proceeded to roll the medication cart down the hall and checked on R 56 . LN P reported he would come back to check her blood sugar because her floor was wet. He rolled the medication cart across the hall to R 113. He reported he could not locate the resident's glucometer in her room. He then removed the community glucometer from the medication cart and proceeded to R 11's doorway. Upon inquiry he agreed the glucometer and container , and med cart had not been sanitized after its use with R56 as it should. He returned to the cart, opened the bottom drawer and reported the cart lacked Sani-wipes to sanitize the glucometer, the container and contents, and the medication cart to prevent cross contamination. At that point Certified Medication Aide(CMA) I walked by, and LPN P asked her to get the Sani-wipes. CMA I provided sanitizing wipes with a two-minute dwell time. LPN P removed a wipe and swiped the glucometer a coupe of times and replaced the glucometer back in the unsanitized container. He stated he should have sanitized the glucometer, medication cart top, the resident's dresser, washed his hands prior to applying gloves and upon removal of gloves to prevent cross contamination and prevent the spread of infections.
On 04/11/24 at 02:45 PM, Administrative Nurse B verified that each resident should have a plastic container to store their individual glucometer and supplies to obtain their blood sugar. The facility maintained a container with a glucometer and supplies for use with new admits. The staff should sanitize their hands before applying gloves and after removing gloves. There should be a barrier between a surface where the glucometer rests and while the glucometer is wrapped in the sanitizing wipes to remain wet for the dwell time to prevent infection and cross contamination.
The facility policy titled Obtaining a Fingerstick Glucose, dated 10/2011, documentation included always ensure that glucose meters intended for reuse are cleaned and disinfected between resident uses. Clean and disinfect reusable equipment between uses according to current infection control standard. Remove gloves and discard into designated container and perform hand hygiene.
The facility failed to provide a sanitary and safe environment to prevent cross contamination and infection related to the provision appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the safe and sanitary handling of glucometer (a device used to measure glucose/sugar content of the blood) between residents hand hygiene with don (application) and doffing (removal) of gloves, to prevent cross contamination and infections for residents (of the facility.
- On 04/09/24 at 09:30 AM, during resident screening the following residents were noted to lack Enhanced Barrier precautions (EBP) or the readily available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) nor signage during the resident screening process of the following as required:
1. Nine residents with catheters (R 1, R 26, R 11, R 55, R19, R 37, R 50, R 04, R 25),
2. Five residents with wounds (R 38, R 40, R 19, R 50, and R 25)
3. Two residents with percutaneous enteral gastrostomy tube (PEG- artificial opening through the abdominal wall where a catheter is placed to supply nutrition), (R 37 and R 48)
4. Four residents (R 55, R 38, R 48, and R 57 of the 13 identified residents that required enhanced barrier precautions during care received therapy.
On 04/10/24 at 02:35 PM, Administrative Nurse B reported the facility had not implemented Enhanced Barrier precautions for the resident on 04/01/24 to date for the residents with catheters, wounds, percutaneous enteral feeding tubes, and residents that received therapy that should have PPE enhanced precautions as required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). She reported she did not think the facility had to fully implement Enhanced Barrier Precautions for 30 days after the 04/01/24 directive.
On 04/11/24 at 09:46 AM, Licensed Nurse P reported that he was not aware of the need for the use of EBP for residents with feeding tubes, catheters, and wounds until yesterday (04/10/24). He stated the gowns were not accessible in the rooms and the signage was not up until then as well.
On 04/11/24 10:21 AM, therapy staff V reported she had direct contact with residents during therapy. She reported she had one resident she provided direct care for that had a feeding tube. Therapy staff V stated she did not know the resident had to utilize EBP including PPE until the day before. She stated she always wore gloves and a mask, but did not wear a gown until yesterday when the signs were put on the door, and full PPE was not available.
On 04/15/24 at 3:30 PM, Administrative Nurse B reported 13 residents (R)1, R 4, R 11, R 19, R 25, R 26, R 37, R 38, R 40, R 48, R 50, R 55, and R 57, which required enhanced barrier precautions to include available PPE supplies to include gowns, and signage as specified in the 04/01/24 CMS memo was not in place until 04/10/24.
The facility policy titled Enhanced Barrier Precautions, dated 08/2022 documentation included EBPs are used in conjunction with standard precautions and expand the use of PPE to donning of gown and gloves during high-contact resident care activities that provide opportunities for transfer of multiple drug resistant organisms (MDRO)'s to staff hands and clothing. Examples of high contact resident care activities requiring the use of gowns and gloves for EBPs include device care such as urinary catheters, feeding tubes, wound care, during providing hygiene, transfers during assistance with bathing and when working with residents in the therapy gym. Specifically, while assisting with transfers and mobility. Signs are posted on the door or wall outside the resident's room indicating the type of precautions and PPE required.
The facility failed to provide a sanitary and safe environment to prevent cross contamination and infection related to provision EBP related to the availability and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the residents of the facility.
- The Physician Order dated 03/22/24 indicated Resident (R)50 had the following diagnoses of retention of urine unspecified (Lack of ability to urinate and empty the bladder) urinary catheter (insertion of a catheter into the bladder to drain the urine into a collection bag).
The admission Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE] revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of three, indicating severely impaired cognition. The Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) indicated R 50 required extensive assistance with two or more person for bed mobility, transfers, and toilet use.
The Quarterly (MDS) dated [DATE], indicated a BIMS score of 12, indicating moderate impaired cognition. R50 required an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Care Plan dated 08/11/23, revealed F50 required the need of a indwelling foley catheter for terminal illness and urinary retention. Staff were to ensure the catheter bag was below the level of the bladder to minimize the risk of infection. Staff were to provide catheter care per facility policy.
The Enhanced Barrier Precautions dated 04/10/24, revealed R50 required the Enhanced Barrier Precautions due to wound and catheter. Staff were to wear gloves and gowns for all dressing, changing brief, transfer, toileting, peri-care, catheter care/ bathing/showering, hygiene changing lines and wound care.
On 04/10/24 at 10:58 AM, observed Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) C provided catheter care. CNA C did not wash her hands prior to applying gloves and did not apply a gown before starting the cleaning of R50's catheter. CNA C used disposable wipes to cleanse the penis and catheter. CNA C placed the soiled wipes on top of the package of the clean wipes. CNA C finished the catheter care, then failed to wash her hands after removing her soiled gloves and before leaving R50's room.
On 04/10/24 at 11:04 AM, interview with CNA C revealed she was not aware of the guidelines for catheter care and proper hand hygiene.
On 04/11/24 at 01:30 PM, Interview with Licensed Nurse (LN) F revealed the staff now must follow the Enhanced Barrier Precautions, that indicated staff must wear a gown and gloves while providing care of catheters.
On 04/11/24 at 02:35 PM, Interview with Administrative Nurse C revealed the nursing staff should perform hand hygiene with either alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap/water before the procedure and with every glove change, then at the end of the procedure.
The facility's policy for Catheter Care Urinary dated 2001, revealed the purpose of this procedure is to prevent urinary catheter-associated complication, including urinary tract infections. The Routine Perineal Hygiene (guidance is to) place the clean equipment on the bedside stand or overbed table. Perform hand hygiene with non-dominant hand and retract the foreskin of uncircumcised male residents. Maintain the position of this hand throughout the procedure. Cleanse the glans using circular strokes from the meatus outward with a clean washcloth or wipe, rinse using the about technique, return foreskin to normal position. Perform hand hygiene after finishing catheter care.
The facility failed to provide this resident, who required a urinary catheter, infection control techniques to prevent possible urinary system infections.
- R1's Electronic Medical Record (EMR) revealed diagnoses that included acute kidney failure (a sudden decline in kidney function that occurs within a few hours or days), neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder (the muscles that control the flow of urine out of the body do not relax and prevent the bladder from fully emptying), and urinary tract infection ([UTI] infection of any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
R1's Annual Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15, indicating intact cognition. The resident required extensive to total assistance for all cares. R1 had an indwelling urinary catheter (insertion of a catheter into the bladder to drain the urine into a collection bag).
The Urinary Incontinence and Indwelling Catheter Care Area Assessment (CAA) dated 06/22/23, documented risk factors included recurrent UTIs and injury from use of the catheter.
The Bladder/Bowel care plan, dated 01/27/23, revealed R1 required a urinary catheter, and guided staff to provide catheter care policy.
Observation on 04/09/24 at 11:19 AM revealed R1's catheter bag stored top of a dignity bag that was stored directly on the floor.
Observation on 04/10/24 at 10:13 AM, revealed R1's catheter bag hung from the edge of her bed, with dark amber colored urine in the drainage bag, and clear yellow urine with sediment in the tubing.
Observation of 04/10/24 at 01:23 PM, revealed Licensed Nurse (LN) AA donned a gown and pushed the gown sleeves above her wrists. She then washed her hands with soap and water, removed a gait belt from the back of door handle, then donned her gloves and pulled the gown sleeves back down to her wrists. LN AA wiped the catheter tubing with a no-rinse foam soap-soaked gauze, and removed and reapplied a new pair of gloves without performing hand hygiene, removed the spigot from the catheter collection system, emptied the urine from the collection bag into a urinal, then washed the spigot with a no-rinse foam soap-soaked gauze, then saline soaked gauze, then alcohol wipes. She removed her gloves, emptied the urinal into the commode and rinsed the urinal with tap water from the resident's sink. She pulled her sleeves up on her arms, washed her hands with soap and water and removed her gown.
On 04/09/24 at 02:09 PM, R1 reported that she required a urinary catheter because she was unable to urinate.
On 04/10/24 at 01:32 PM, LN AA confirmed no hand hygiene was done when changing her gloves and carrying the urinal to the bathroom and improper infection control techniques.
Interview on 04/10/24 at 02:35 PM, Administrative Nurse B reported wipes should be used for one wipe per swipe for either peri or catheter care. Hand hygiene should be performed with either alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or soap/water before the procedure and with every glove change, and with soap/water only at the end of a procedure.
The facility's policy for Catheter care, dated 08/22, revealed the purpose of this procedure is to prevent urinary catheter -associated complications including urinary tract infections. Use aseptic technique when handling or manipulating the drainage system.
The facility's policy for Enhanced Barrier Precautions, dated 08/22 revealed EBPs are used in conjunction with standard precautions and expand the use of Personal Protective Equipment to donning of gown and gloves during high contact resident care activities that provide opportunities for transfer of Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDRO) to staff hands or clothing.
The facility failed to provide necessary services to decrease the risk of a urinary tract infection when the staff failed to use proper hand hygiene and Enhanced Barrier Precautions when providing catheter care for resident (R)1.
- Resident (R) 25's diagnoses included neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder (dysfunction of the urinary bladder caused by a lesion of the nervous system), and urinary tract infection (Infection of any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
The Significant Change Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], revealed a Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score of 15, indicating intact cognition. The resident was dependent for all cares and had an indwelling urinary catheter (insertion of a catheter into the bladder to drain the urine into a collection bag).
The 11/03/23 Urinary Incontinence and Indwelling Catheter Care Area Assessment (CAA), dated 11/03/23, revealed the resident required a urinary catheter.
The care plan, dated 10/13/23, revealed the resident required a urinary catheter.
Revision of the care plan revealed on 04/10/2024, the resident required Enhanced Based Precautions (EBP) related to wound and catheter. Staff were to wear gloves and gowns for all dressing, changing brief, catheter care, emptying catheter, transfers, toileting, peri care, bathing/showering, hygiene, changing linens, and wound care.
The Physician Orders included to check and verify catheter securement was in place and the tubing was free of kinks, two times a day, ordered 04/12/2024.
Observation on 04/10/24 at 10:55 AM revealed Licensed Nurse (LN) M provided urinary catheter care with the assistance of Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) D. CNA D performed hand hygiene upon entry to the room and donned gloves, LN M failed to perform hand hygiene and donned gloves when entering the room. CNA D left the resident's room to retrieve the full body mechanical lift outside the room with neither staff member engaged in enhanced barrier precautions. Staff transferred the resident with the mechanical lift to her bed. CNA D went to the bathroom to retrieve warm/soapy wash cloth while LN M removed the resident's brief at the front and assisted the resident to hold her legs apart. The resident was incontinent of bowels. CNA D wiped the front of the resident, then discarded the soiled washcloth and changed gloves without performing hand hygiene. CNA D retrieved incontinence wipes from the bedside table drawer and initiated peri-care. Staff assisted the resident and the resident positioned to her left side. LN M started cleaning up feces with multiple swipes with the same wipe, LN M changed her gloves without hand hygiene. CNA D removed her gloves and left the resident room for additional supplies and failed to perform hand hygiene. When CNA D returned to the resident's room, CNA D donned new gloves and took the washcloth to the bathroom to make a warm/soapy wash cloth, then walked to bedside and cleaned resident's genitals, then cleaned around the resident's catheter, then wiped the resident's genitals a second time, then cleaned the resident's catheter a second time, folding and /refolding the same washcloth with each pass. CNA D then disposed of the washcloth and changed gloves but failed to perform hand hygiene. LN M removed gloves and left the resident's room to obtain additional supplies and failed to perform hand hygiene. CNA D replaced resident's brief and LN M returned to the room and failed to perform hand hygiene. LN M attempted to place a commercially available adhesive catheter securement device to the resident, but the resident declined this as she had a documented history of adverse reaction to the adhesive. LN M removed her gloves and performed hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand solution, then left the room. CNA D collected the soiled supplies and removed gloves, then exited the room without performing hand hygiene.
On 04/10/24 at 09:38 AM, R25 stated staff have not put on any full personal protective equipment (PPE) when emptying her catheter bag. She reported she did not have a tubing anchoring/securement device because she was allergic to the anchor, and the facility was to get her a harness type securement device but had not done that yet.
Interview on 04/10/24 at 11:20 AM, CNA D stated she would not have changed anything with the procedure as observed except that staff may have needed extra supplies to prevent having to leave to go get additional supplies. CNA D confirmed that no EBP were in place at the time of catheter/peri care.
On 04/10/24 at 11:18 AM, LN M stated she would not have changed anything with the procedure as observed.
Interview on 04/10/24 at 02:06 PM with LN M confirmed that no EBP was in place at the time of catheter/peri care, and reported it was acceptable to wipe/fold/reuse with wash cloth but not with wipes, confirmed that she had reused wipe to remove BM from resident's skin. Stated that CNA D should not have re-wiped a second time of genitals or catheter with wash cloth because it presented as an infection control concern.
Interview on 04/10/24 at 02:35 PM, Administrative Nurse B reported an expectation for staff that wash cloths should not be used for peri care or catheter care, only for bathing. Wipes should be used for one wipe per swipe for either peri or catheter care. Hand hygiene should be performed with either alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or soap/water before procedure, and with every glove change and with soap/water only at the end of a procedure. Residents with catheters should have some sort of securement device for the tubing to be secured to the resident's leg. It is never acceptable for resident to have a catheter without it being secured to the leg.
Interview on at 04/10/24 at 04:05 PM, CNA CC reported there were no special orders in progress for a foley securement device. Walk through with CNA CC of the facility's supply room revealed leg securement straps in house stock.
Interview on at 04/10/24 at 04:25 PM with Administrative Nurse B, informed of above and was unable to provide an explanation as to why a securement device had not been in place prior to location of the device in the facility's supply room.
The facility's policy for Catheter care, dated 08/22, revealed the purpose of this procedure was to prevent urinary catheter -associated complications including urinary tract infections. Use aseptic technique when handling or manipulating the drainage system.
The facility's policy for Enhanced Barrier Precautions, dated 08/22, revealed EBPs are used in conjunction with standard precautions and expand the use of PPE to donning of gown and gloves during high contact resident care activities that provide opportunities for transfer of Multi Drug Resistant Organisms (MDRO) to staff hands or clothing.
The facility failed to provide necessary services to decrease the risk of a urinary tract infection when the staff failed to use proper hand hygiene, catheter cleansing, and Enhanced Barrier Precautions when providing catheter care for resident (R)25.