Catheter Bag Found Touching Floor During Resident Care
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of urinary retention, malignant neoplasm of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia was observed with an indwelling urinary catheter attached to a drainage bag. On multiple occasions, the catheter bag was seen touching or dragging on the floor while the resident was seated in a wheelchair and propelling himself. The resident was cognitively intact and aware of having a catheter, though unsure of the specific reason for its use. Interviews with nursing staff confirmed that the catheter bag should not touch the floor, and facility policy also required that urinary drainage bags and tubing be positioned to prevent contact with the floor. Despite these standards, the observations showed that the catheter bag was not properly positioned, resulting in noncompliance with facility policy and accepted standards of catheter care.