Improper Management of Urinary Catheter and Drainage Bag
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified regarding the management of a urinary catheter and drainage bag for one resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. The facility's Foley Catheter Policy did not address the proper placement of urinary catheter drainage bags and tubing. The resident, who had diagnoses including pseudobulbar affect, generalized anxiety disorder, abnormal weight loss, and was severely cognitively impaired, was dependent on staff for most activities of daily living. The care plan for this resident included interventions to position the catheter bag and tubing below the level of the bladder and to check for kinks to ensure proper urine flow. The resident had a recent hospitalization for a urinary tract infection. During multiple observations, the resident's urinary catheter drainage bag and tubing were found lying on the floor, both while the resident was in bed and when seated in a geriatric chair in the common area. Staff interviews confirmed that the catheter bag and tubing should not be on the floor due to infection control concerns. Both a CNA and the ADON acknowledged that the observed placement of the catheter bag and tubing was inappropriate and not in accordance with infection control practices.