Failure to Maintain Catheter Drainage Bag Below Bladder Level
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate catheter care for one resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. According to facility policy, the urinary drainage bag should be kept below the level of the bladder at all times to prevent backflow of urine. Clinical records showed that the resident had diagnoses including urinary obstruction and enlarged prostate, and physician orders and care plans specified that the catheter be maintained below bladder level. However, on two separate occasions, the resident was observed sitting in a recliner with the catheter drainage bag hanging on the armrest above the level of the bladder, with urine visible in the tubing. The DON confirmed that the drainage bag should have been kept below the bladder at all times.