Failure to Cover Urinary Collection Bags Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain or enhance the dignity and respect of two residents by not ensuring their urinary collection bags were covered with privacy bags, as required by facility policy and care plans. For one resident with end stage renal disease and chronic kidney disease, documentation showed the need for an indwelling Foley catheter and a care plan intervention to provide a privacy bag. During observation, the resident's Foley catheter bag was found uncovered and hanging on the side of the bed. Interviews with nursing staff and the DON confirmed that the catheter bag should have been covered to promote privacy and dignity. Another resident, admitted with kidney and ureter disorders and dehydration, was also observed with an uncovered urine collection bag. This resident was severely cognitively impaired and dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including toileting and hygiene. Staff interviews again confirmed that the urine collection bag should not have been exposed, as this compromises the resident's dignity. A review of the facility's policy on dignity emphasized that residents must be cared for in a manner that promotes well-being and self-esteem, specifically prohibiting practices that compromise dignity, such as leaving urinary catheter bags uncovered. The failure to follow these policies and care plan interventions resulted in a deficiency related to the residents' right to privacy and dignity.