Failure to Offer Bedpan Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain the dignity of a resident who was bedbound and dependent for self-care and toileting hygiene, but cognitively intact. The resident reported being constipated and stated that night staff instructed her to have a bowel movement in her brief, rather than offering a bedpan. The resident indicated that she was not offered a bedpan by night staff, despite her alertness and ability to communicate her needs. Subsequent interviews with the resident confirmed that this practice continued, with night shift staff not providing a bedpan and instead asking her to use her brief. Interviews with a CNA, a licensed nurse, the charge nurse, and the DON all confirmed that the expectation for alert residents who cannot use the commode or bathroom is to be offered a bedpan to maintain dignity and allow for resident choice. Facility policies reviewed also emphasized the importance of promoting dignity, promptly responding to toileting requests, and prohibiting demeaning practices. The failure to offer a bedpan as requested compromised the resident's dignity and did not align with facility policy or staff expectations.