Improper Storage of Personal Care Equipment and Catheter Drainage Bag
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly store resident personal care equipment and a urinary catheter drainage bag in accordance with its infection prevention and control program. Observations on two separate days revealed that bedpans and wash basins were left unbagged and in direct contact with the floor, wall, and garbage can in resident bathrooms on one nursing unit. Additionally, urinals containing liquid were found hanging on grab bars without resident identification, and multiple wash basins were stacked on toilet tanks without labeling. These practices were not in line with facility policy, which requires such items to be cleaned, bagged, and stored on the bottom shelf of each resident's nightstand. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the observed storage methods did not comply with established procedures. For one resident with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and a suprapubic catheter, the catheter drainage bag was observed resting directly on the floor, despite being covered for privacy. Staff interviews confirmed that catheter drainage bags are required to be positioned to avoid floor contact, as per infection control protocols. The facility's failure to ensure proper storage and maintenance of personal care equipment and urinary drainage systems was confirmed through staff interviews and direct observation, resulting in noncompliance with infection prevention best practices.