Failure to Notify Physician of Suspected UTI in Catheterized Resident
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to notify the physician of a suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. The resident, admitted with diagnoses including benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary retention, obstructive uropathy, and a Foley catheter, exhibited signs suggestive of a UTI, such as a catheter bag full of sediment and a foul odor. A nursing progress note documented the need to rule out a UTI and recommended a urinalysis, but there was no evidence in the clinical record that the physician was notified or that a urinalysis was performed. Additionally, the resident's representative reported being informed by staff about plans to check for a UTI due to a change in mental status, but received no follow-up information.