Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Privacy for Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a urinary catheter was observed to have their catheter drainage bag exposed and not placed in a dignity bag, as required for privacy and dignity. During an observation, the catheter bag was seen hanging on the side of the bed without a privacy cover. The resident had been admitted with diagnoses including acute cystitis without hematuria and generalized muscle weakness. Review of the clinical record confirmed the presence of the catheter, and interviews with staff revealed that the use of dignity bags was expected as part of catheter care. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) staff acknowledged that dignity bags are typically used but sometimes become displaced or are removed. Licensed nursing staff confirmed that the catheter bag should have a privacy cover and that its absence could lead to embarrassment for the resident. The Director of Nursing (DON) stated that the dignity cover may have been forgotten due to the recent admission. Facility policy requires all residents to be treated with respect and dignity, including the right to privacy and confidentiality, which was not upheld in this instance.