Failure to Provide Privacy Cover for Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to ensure the use of a privacy cover for a urinary catheter bag for one resident with a suprapubic catheter. Facility policy required catheter bags to be placed inside a privacy bag to maintain resident dignity. During observation, the resident was found lying in bed with the catheter bag hanging at the bedside, uncovered and lacking a privacy cover. Both the LPN and the Director of Nursing confirmed that a privacy cover should have been used, and that sufficient covers were available in the facility. The resident involved had a history of urinary retention and had an order for an indwelling suprapubic catheter. The Minimum Data Set assessment indicated the resident had moderately impaired cognitive status. Facility policies on catheter placement and dignity emphasized the importance of providing care in a manner that maintains or enhances each resident's dignity, which was not followed in this instance.