Failure to Cover Urinary Catheter Bag with Privacy Bag
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a history of urinary retention, urinary tract infection, and falls was admitted to the facility and had an indwelling urinary catheter in place. The resident's Minimum Data Set indicated moderately impaired cognitive skills and a need for substantial to moderate staff assistance with activities of daily living, including toileting and hygiene. Physician orders required staff to check the placement of the indwelling catheter every shift. During an observation, it was noted that the resident's urinary catheter bag was not covered with a privacy (dignity) bag, as required by facility policy. Both a registered nurse and the Director of Nursing confirmed that catheter bags are required to be covered to promote resident dignity, and acknowledged that the resident's catheter bag was not covered at the time of observation. The facility's policy on dignity specifically prohibits practices that compromise resident dignity and directs staff to assist residents in keeping urinary catheter bags covered.