Failure to Maintain Infection Control for Indwelling Catheter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain proper infection control practices in the care of an indwelling urinary catheter for one resident. According to facility policy, catheter collection bags and tubing are never to touch the floor to promote a healthy urinary tract and prevent infection. During an observation, a resident with a foley catheter for obstructive uropathy was seen sitting in a wheelchair with the catheter collection bag lying directly on the floor beside him. This was confirmed by a registered nurse, who acknowledged that the facility did not follow its own infection control procedures in this instance. The resident involved had a history of high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes, and was admitted with a physician's order for a foley catheter. The deficiency was identified through review of facility policies, the resident's clinical record, and direct observation. The failure to keep the catheter bag off the floor was a direct violation of the facility's infection control plan and urinary catheter procedures, as well as relevant state regulations.