Failure to Provide Dignity Cover for Foley Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a Foley catheter was observed in bed with the urine collection bag visibly exposed and not covered by a dignity bag, as required by facility policy. The resident, who had a history of hemiplegia and hemiparesis following a stroke, acute and chronic respiratory failure, and congestive heart failure, was alert and oriented at the time of observation. The exposed urine bag was noted during a room observation, and both the Certified Nurse Assistant and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that the bag should have been covered to protect the resident's privacy and dignity. Review of the resident's physician orders and care plan indicated the presence of a Foley catheter for a neurogenic bladder, with interventions specifically including the promotion of privacy and dignity. The facility's policy and procedure on dignity explicitly prohibited practices that compromise resident dignity, including the requirement to keep urinary catheter bags covered. The Assistant Director of Nursing acknowledged that staff did not follow the facility's policy in this instance.