Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity by Not Covering Foley Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with multiple complex medical conditions, including functional quadriplegia, dementia, and an indwelling urinary catheter, was observed in bed with his foley catheter bag exposed and urine visible. The resident was unable to respond to verbal stimuli at the time of observation. Facility policy and staff interviews confirmed that catheter bags are required to be stored in privacy bags to maintain resident dignity, and this expectation was reinforced through regular in-service training for nursing staff. Despite these policies and trainings, the resident's catheter bag was not covered, and staff acknowledged that it was their responsibility to ensure privacy bags were used. The lack of a privacy bag was attributed to the previous cover being discarded and not replaced after catheter care. Multiple staff, including LVNs, RNs, and the DON, confirmed the requirement for privacy covers and their roles in ensuring compliance, but the deficiency occurred due to a lapse in following established procedures.