Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity During Feeding and Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was treated with dignity during meal service and the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The resident, who was admitted with diagnoses including pseudobulbar affect, generalized anxiety disorder, and abnormal weight loss, was noted to have severe cognitive impairment and was dependent on staff for most activities of daily living. During meal service, a CNA stood at the resident's bedside while feeding her, rather than sitting, which is considered a dignity concern. The CNA stated she was unaware that standing while feeding a resident was an issue related to dignity, and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that staff had not been in-serviced on this expectation. Additionally, the resident's urinary catheter drainage bag was observed on multiple occasions to be uncovered and visible, both in the resident's room and in a common area, with urine visible in the bag. The drainage bag was also found lying on the floor under the resident's chair without a dignity cover. Staff interviews confirmed that the use of dignity covers for catheter bags was an expectation, but the cover was not in place at the time of observation. These actions and inactions resulted in a failure to maintain the resident's dignity during care and daily activities.