Failure to Provide Privacy During Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to provide privacy during indwelling urinary catheter care for two residents, resulting in a lack of dignity and potential psychosocial impact. In the first instance, a certified nurse assistant provided catheter care to a resident with Alzheimer's disease, aphasia, and neuromuscular bladder dysfunction without closing the curtain or door, leaving the resident exposed to the hallway. The resident was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living and was able to communicate her needs. The CNA acknowledged forgetting to provide privacy and recognized its importance for resident dignity. The Director of Nursing confirmed that privacy should have been ensured by closing the curtain or door before care. In the second instance, a licensed vocational nurse performed catheter care for another resident with hypertension, depression, and neuromuscular bladder dysfunction without closing the privacy curtain. The resident was capable of understanding and making decisions. The nurse admitted that privacy should have been provided and acknowledged the potential for exposure to others. The Director of Nursing reiterated that all residents have the right to privacy and that failure to provide it could cause embarrassment or impact psychological wellbeing. Facility policies reviewed confirmed the requirement to protect resident privacy and dignity during care.