Failure to Secure Foley Catheter Tubing as Required by Care Plan and Policy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with chronic kidney disease, urinary retention, and dementia, who was admitted with an indwelling Foley catheter, was observed to have the catheter tubing unsecured on their thigh. The resident's care plan specifically required the catheter tubing to be secured to the leg to prevent pulling or trauma. During observation, the resident was seen in a wheelchair with the Foley catheter tubing not secured, and the attending LVN confirmed this was not in accordance with proper procedure. Interviews with both the LVN and the Assistant Director of Nursing confirmed that all indwelling catheters should be properly secured to prevent injury during movement or transfers. Review of the facility's policy and procedure for catheter care also indicated that leg straps should be used to attach catheter tubing to the resident's leg to avoid tension. The failure to secure the catheter tubing as required by the care plan and facility policy constituted the deficiency.