Failure to Obtain Timely Physician Orders for Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
A facility failed to obtain timely physician orders for indwelling catheter care for a resident who was admitted with a urinary tract infection, obstructive and reflex uropathy, and chronic kidney disease. The resident was admitted with an indwelling catheter, but physician orders for catheter monitoring, catheter changes, and drainage bag changes were not obtained until over a month after admission. The Director of Nursing was unable to provide an explanation for the delay in obtaining these orders. Additionally, there was no documentation available to show that the resident was being monitored for signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection or that the indwelling catheter or drainage bag was changed from admission to discharge. Interviews with facility staff confirmed the lack of documentation and the absence of timely physician orders for appropriate catheter care during the resident's stay.