Catheter Bag and Tubing Found Resting on Floor
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a urinary catheter was observed on two separate occasions with the catheter tubing and bag in contact with the floor. On the first occasion, the resident was in the dining room in a wheelchair, with the catheter bag hooked under the wheelchair and approximately eight inches of tubing resting on the floor. The catheter bag cover was also observed touching the floor. On the second occasion, the resident was again in their wheelchair, and the catheter tubing was seen exposed and dragging on the floor as the resident was assisted through the hallway and positioned in the dining room. The resident involved had a history of cancer, anemia, and obstructive uropathy, with severely impaired cognition and required extensive assistance with all activities of daily living. The improper securing of the catheter bag and tubing, resulting in contact with the floor, was directly observed by staff and reported to facility management. The report references CDC and other guidelines that state catheter bags should not be placed on the floor due to the risk of contamination.