Failure to Cover Urinary Catheter Bag Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a urinary catheter was not provided with a dignity bag to cover the catheter drainage bag, resulting in the resident's urine being visible to anyone entering the room. During an observation, the catheter bag was found hanging at the end of the resident's bed without a dignity bag, and this was confirmed by both a CNA and the Infection Preventionist. Both staff members acknowledged that the catheter bag should be covered at all times to protect the resident's dignity and privacy, and that its visibility could cause embarrassment to the resident. The resident involved had multiple medical conditions, including hydronephrosis, urinary tract infection, muscle weakness, contracture of the left hand, schizophrenia, and type 2 diabetes. The resident was assessed as cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 13. Facility policy requires that urinary catheter bags be covered to maintain resident dignity, and staff are expected to assist residents in keeping catheter bags covered. The failure to follow this policy resulted in a violation of the resident's right to dignity and privacy.