Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 3. On 2/9/18 at 4:31 pm, an interview was conducted with the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) who was responsible for the Infection Control Program Surveillance (data collection). A review of the December 2017 infection surveillance log evidenced there were 7 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs); 2 residents were admitted from the hospital with a UTI, and 5 UTIs were nosocomial to include a cluster of 4 urinary tract infections on the 400 hallway on unit two. Four residents in close proximity of each other were identified as having a UTI. The organisms were identified as E.Coli, Proteus Mirabilis and gram negative rods. All of these organisms are found in the gastrointestinal system and can be transmitted to the urinary tract during improper incontinence care.
The ADON was asked what actions were taken as a result of identification of the UTI cluster. She stated she informed the Director of Nursing (DON). The ADON was asked what was the purpose of analysis of surveillance data. She stated to find trends, identify weaknesses and address them .such as clusters. When asked when a cluster is identified what would be the facility's action, she stated, Education to lower the risk in the future. When asked if any inservice education was provided to the direct care staff to prevent further facility acquired (Nosocomial) UTI's, she stated no. She stated the DON had identified the certified nurse aide (CNA) responsible for not providing appropriate incontinent care, and that CNA was no longer an employee.
The DON was asked to provide documentation on the investigation of the cluster. She was not able to provide any. She stated the CNA was identified as working the night shift and was found to not provide timely incontinent care. She stated she had deducted that this one particular CNA was the cause of the cluster. When asked about education to the other staff to prevent further UTI infections, she stated, We dropped the ball.
The facility was not able to provide documentation of follow-up activity in response to the identified cluster.
The bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli), which causes the majority of urinary tract infection, will appear as pink (gram negative) rods under the microscope. The vast majority of urinary tract infections are caused by the bacterium E.coli usually found in the digestive system. www.nhi.gov (National Health Institute)
Proteus Mirabilis is part of the normal flora of the human gastrointestinal tract. When this organism, however enters the urinary tract, wounds, or the lungs it can become pathogenic. (www.nhi.gov)
Based on observation, resident interview, staff interview, facility document review and clinical record review, the facility staff failed to maintain an infection prevention and control program to provide safe and sanitary environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable disease and infection for 3 of 56 residents in the survey sample (Residents #7, #105, and #365), and in the facility Dining Room. The facility also failed to maintain an effective infection control system to prevent nosocomial infections.
1. The facility staff failed to ensure infection control measures were implemented in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) care for Resident #7.
2. The facility staff failed to ensure infection control measures were implemented between feeding of Residents in the Dining Room.
3. The facility staff failed to maintain an effective Infection Control Program to prevent nosocomial infections (Nosocomial-originating or taking place in a hospital or other health care facility); urinary tract infections (UTI's).
4. The facility staff failed to clean the glucometer after obtaining a blood sugar reading for Resident #105.
5. The facility staff failed to wash her hands after providing incontinent care of stool for resident #365 during wound care.
The findings included:
1. Resident #7 was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. Diagnoses listed for Resident #7 included but are not limited to Asthma, Cerebral Palsy, and Non-Alzheimer's Disease.
Resident #7's Quarterly Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 11/13/17, coded Resident #7 as having short and long term memory problems and was coded a Zero, indicating independent with decisions regarding tasks of daily life.
Resident #7 was coded as completely dependent on two staff for bed mobility and transfers. Resident #7 was dependent on 1 staff for toilet use, personal hygiene and bathing.
The Comprehensive Person Centered Care Plan revised on 7/7/16 identified the resident focus area Altered Cardiac/Resp (Respiratory). Functioning r/t (related to) .asthma. The goal was to have no cardiac complications. One intervention included CPAP as ordered at HS (hour of sleep) and Oxygen therapy as ordered. The Comprehensive Person Centered Care Plan did not address the fact that Resident #7 was changing his personal Nebulizer Unit's filter.
Resident #7's Physician Orders included:
2/12/18 Cleanse CPAP mask with soap and water every week and as needed. Air dry prior to use. Every day shift every Saturday for CPAP care.
2/12/18 Cleanse CPAP tubing with soap and water every week and as needed. Air dry prior to use ever day shift every Saturday for CPAP care
2/22/16 CPAP at bedtime for sleep apnea CPAP to be worn every night at bedtime
Record Review of Resident #7's Clinical Treatment Administration Record (TAR) showed no signature of the nurse assessing that the Resident's CPAP was on for the following dates:
1/4/18
1/11/18
1/12/18
1/15/18
1/17/18
1/20/18
1/22/18
1/29/18
On 2/6/18 during the initial tour at approximately 10:30 AM, Resident #7 stated his CPAP mask hadn't been cleaned since he had been admitted to the Facility. The Resident stated that he changes his own nebulizer filters. There were no dates observed on the CPAP unit or the Nebulizer unit. The CPAP mask was observed and it was sticky to touch.
On 2/14/18 at approximately 9:45 AM, the Resident reported that someone had cleaned his CPAP masks.
An interview with LPN #6 was conducted on 2/8/18 at approximately 4:54 PM and she stated when asked how she would clean and care for the Resident's CPAP and nebulizer. LPN #6 stated that cleaning is generally done on night shift 11 PM to 7 AM and she stated that she has worked that shift previously. LPN #6 stated that the masks are cleaned weekly with soap and water and after cleaning the masks are to be placed in a plastic bag with a date. The LPN stated that the mask could be cleaned as needed at any time. When asked where the filter was on the nebulizer unit, LPN #6 stated, I didn't know the nebulizer had a filter.
An interview with the Director of Nursing #2 was conducted on 2/13/18 at approximately 3:45 PM. The Director of Nursing stated that she was aware the facility had issues with the CPAP devices related to the multiple gaps on the Treatment Administrator Record. In addition, the Director of Nursing stated the distilled water should have an open date on it.
The Facility provided undated guidance for Cleaning Your Mask at Home and it documented the following:
Wash your mask excluding the Headgear Assembly in soap dissolved in lukewarm water. Do not soak for more than 10 minutes.
You should clean the air tubing weekly as described.
1. Wash the air tubing in warm water using mild detergent. Do not wash in a dishwasher or washing machine.
2. Rinse the air tubing thoroughly and allow to dry, out of direct sunlight and/or heat.
The Facility was updated during a pre-exit interview on 2/13/18 at approximately 3:48 PM and again during the exit interview on 2/14/18 at approximately 2:00 PM. The facility did not present any further information about the findings.
2. On 2/6/18 at approximately 12:39 PM an observation of a CNA #5 in the Main Dining Room sitting between two residents and feeding them at the same time. CNA #5 using her right hand would give one resident a spoon or fork full of food and then turn and give the other resident a spoon of food. CNA #5 was observed assisting one of the residents to blow his nose, then she placed the soiled napkin on the table and turned and fed the other resident a fork full of food. At no time during the feeding of the two residents did CNA #5 wash her hands.
On 2/6/18 at approximately 12:45 PM CNA #5 was asked about feeding two residents and not washing her hands in between. Initially, CNA #5 didn't think she had done anything wrong until she was asked what she should have done after assisting the resident to blow his nose by holding a napkin to his nose. At that time CNA #5 stated, I should have washed my hands.
The Corporate Registered Nurse #3 stated on 2/7/18 at approximately 9:55 AM, Yes she should have washed her hands between feeding two residents. RN #3 stated that the facility would be providing hand sanitizer to be used in the dining room.
The Center for Disease Control documented the following:
Practicing hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent infections. Cleaning your hands can prevent the spread of germs, including those that are resistant to antibiotics and are becoming difficult, if not impossible, to treat. On average, healthcare providers clean their hands less than half of the times they should. On any given day, about one in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection.
The Facility was updated during a pre-exit interview on 2/13/18 at approximately 3:48 PM and again during the exit interview on 2/14/18 at approximately 2:00 PM. The facility did not present any further information about the findings.
4. Resident #105 was admitted originally admitted to the facility on [DATE]. Diagnosis for Resident #105 included but are not limited to Diabetes Type II.
Resident #105 Minimum Data Set (MDS) with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 01/24/18 coded the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) score an 11 out of a possible 15 indicating moderate cognitive impairment. In addition, the MDS coded Resident #105 requiring total dependence of two with transfers, total dependence of one with bed mobility, dressing, eating and toilet use and extensive assistance of one with personal hygiene and bathing of Activities of Daily Living care.
On 02/09/18 at approximately 5:23 p.m., during the medication pass and pour observation, License Practical Nurse (LPN) #4 removed an alcohol pad, 2 x 2 gauze, a lancet, a test strip and glucometer from a plastic bag from the medication cart; the plastic bag also contain extra lancets. LPN #4 went into the resident's room then proceeded to clean the resident's finger with an alcohol pad, pricked his finger with lancet, inserted test strip into the glucometer to obtain his blood sugar. After obtaining blood for blood sugar, LPN #4 returned to the medication cart, placed the glucometer back into the white plastic bag without disinfecting the glucometer. The surveyor asked if the glucometer machine should be cleaned after use, the LPN stated, Even though each resident has its own machine they still need to be cleaned after use.
On 2/13/18 at approximately 10:25 a.m., an interview was conducted with the Director of Nursing (DON) who stated, The nurse should have cleaned the glucometer machine after use then place in plastic bag.
The facility administration was informed of the finding during a briefing on 2/13/17 at approximately 3:30 p.m. The facility did not present any further information about the findings.
The facility's Policy: (AL Glucometer Policy) Section (Infection Control) Revision Date: May 2016
Policy: All nurses and Med Techs will be trained on proper use and cleansing of the glucometers and that each resident requiring blood glucose testing will have there own glucometer.
Procedure:
B. The Med Tech or nurse will clean the resident's glucometer after each use. (Glucometers are not to be shared.)
5. Resident #365 was admitted to the facility on [DATE]. Diagnosis for Resident #365 included but not limited to *Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection (MRSA) and *Unstageable sacral pressure ulcer wound.
*MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It is tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus or staph - because it is resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.
*Pressure Ulcer is localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue usually over a bony prominence or related to a medical or other device. The injury can present as intact skin or an open ulcer and may be painful. The injury occurs as a result of intense and/or prolonged pressure or pressure in combination with shear. The tolerance of soft tissue for pressure and shear may also be affected by microclimate, nutrition, perfusion, co-morbidities and condition of the soft tissue (http://www.npuap.org/resources/educational-and-clinical-resources/npuap-pressure-injury-stages/).
*Pressure Injury - Unstageable (Obscured full-thickness skin and tissue loss)
Full-thickness skin and tissue loss in which the extent of tissue damage within the ulcer cannot be confirmed because it is obscured by slough or eschar. If slough or eschar is removed, a Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injury will be revealed. Stable eschar (i.e. dry, adherent, intact without erythema or fluctuance) on the heel or ischemic limb should not be softened or removed (http://www.npuap.org/resources/educational-and-clinical-resources/npuap-pressure-injury-stages/).
The admission evaluation assessment dated [DATE] coded Resident #365 being alert and oriented x 3. In addition, the admission evaluation assessment coded requiring assistance of two with bed mobility, toileting, and transfers and assistance of one with bathing, dressing and eating.
A Braden Risk Assessment Report was completed on 2/5/18; resident scored eleven (11) indicating very high risk for development of pressure ulcers. Mobility is completely immobile; does not make even slight changes in body or extremity position without assistance.
According to the Medication Administration Record (MAR) for February 05, 2018, resident was admitted to the facility on Vibramycin 100 mg 1 capsule by mouth every 12 hours and Cipro tablet 500 mg 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours for MRSA in wounds x 2 days.
According to admission, evaluation on 2/5/18 under wound overview indicated the following: Unstageable pressure ulcer to the sacrum measuring 7.5 cm x 6.5 cm, moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage with wound bed appearance being black in color with yellow slough, no odor present.
The review of Resident #365 care plan documented Resident with actual skin breakdown to the sacrum. The goal: the sacrum will show improvement and be free of signs and symptoms of infection. Some of the interventions to manage goal included but not limited to administer treatment as ordered, assess and document the status of the area (healing vs declining), Redistribution mattress and turn and reposition as needed.
The current treatment as 02/06/18 is to clean sacral wound with wound cleanser, apply betadine soaked gauze and cover with a foam dressing daily and as needed.
On 2/8/18 at approximately 11:30 a.m., Resident #365 was lying in bed, positioned on his left side, lying on an alternating low air loss pressure mattress. A Foley catheter was at the bedside draining clear yellow urine; the catheter anchored in place. Prior to starting wound care to the resident, the wound nurse and CNA # 2 washed their hands. The wound nurse repositioned the resident on his left side with the assistance of CNA #2. The wound nurse removed her gloves, used hand sanitizer and then donned a new pair of gloves. She then removed the foam dressing that covered the sacral wound. The nurse then placed the soiled dressing inside a red biohazard bag. The sacral wound bed was noted with eschar and yellow slough; a moderate amount of serosanquineoous drainage ran down from the sacral wound; no odor was noted.
The LPN removed her gloves, used hand sanitizer and donned another set of gloves. She then proceeded to cleansed the sacral wound in a circular motion using wound cleanser, removed the gloves, and used hand sanitizer. The Resident started having bowel movement; the nurse used 4 x 4 gauzes to clean bowel movement two times, then placed in 4 x 4 gauze in a red bag, removed the gloves, used hand sanitizer, donned a pair of gloves, then proceeded to complete wound care. The nurse painted the sacral wound with Betadine in a circular motion, removed the gloves, applied hand sanitizer, applied skin prep around the outer edges of the sacral wound, placed Betadine gauze cover with the sacral wound, then covered with a foam dressing, removed the gloves, and washed hands for 32 seconds.
An interview was conducted with the wound nurse on 2/12/18 at approximately 11:45 a.m., who stated, I thought I washed my hands after I cleaned resident after having a bowel moved but if I didn't wash my hands; I should have.
The facility administration was informed of the findings during a briefing on 2/14/18 at approximately 3:30 p.m. The corporate nurse stated the nurse should have washed her hands after she finished providing incontinent care of stool before finishing wound care.
The facility's policy: Hand Washing (Infection Control)
Policy: Handwashing is the most important component for preventing the spread of infection. Use of gloves does not replace the need for hand cleaning by either hand rubbing or hand washing.
The facility's policy: Pressure Ulcer Policy (Revision: 1/18/17)
Policy:
It is the policy of [NAME] Health Care based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident; the facility must ensure that -
-A resident with pressure ulcers receives necessary treatment services, consistent with professional standards of practice, to promote healing, prevent infections and prevent new ulcers from developing.
The facility's skill steps for clean dressing application.
-Explain the reason and procedure to the resident.
-Wash your hand and pull the curtain.
-Put on gloves.
-Remove the soiled dressing. Discard in plastic bag or according to facility policy. Avoid crossing over clean supplies with soiled items.
-Cleanse wound with the solution ordered. Always clean the area from the center out or from the cleanest to least clean area.
-Remove and discard gloves. Wash bandage scissors with soap and water if used during soiled part of procedure. Wash hands. Apply new gloves.
According to The Long-Term Care Pocket Guide for Infection Control: A Resource for Frontline Staff (2008), Section 2 Hand Hygiene, Wash hands before and after all client or body fluid contact. Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces that are contaminated with blood or bodily fluid. When wearing gloves, wash hands as soon as the gloves are removed. Germicidal handrubs are recommended only when you can't wash.