Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity by Not Covering Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
A resident with a diagnosis of neurogenic bladder and an indwelling urinary catheter was observed on multiple occasions in common areas of the facility with their catheter bag uncovered and visible to other residents, staff, and visitors. The resident's comprehensive care plan documented the presence of the indwelling catheter, and the expectation was for the catheter bag to be covered with a privacy bag at all times when in public areas. On two separate occasions, surveyors observed certified nursing assistants transporting and placing the resident in communal spaces with the catheter bag exposed and not covered by a privacy bag, making the contents visible to others. When interviewed, the resident expressed a preference for the catheter bag to be covered, questioning why others should see its contents. The unit manager confirmed that the facility's expectation is for catheter bags to always be covered in privacy bags when residents are in public areas. The deficiency was identified based on these observations and interviews, which demonstrated a failure to ensure the resident's dignity and privacy as required.