Failure to Provide Privacy Cover for Catheter Bag Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain or enhance the dignity and respect of a resident by not ensuring that the resident's urinary catheter drainage bag was covered with a privacy bag. The resident, who had multiple diagnoses including multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, and muscle weakness, had a physician's order for a Foley catheter and a care plan intervention specifying the use of a privacy cover to promote dignity. During an observation, the resident was found without a privacy cover on the catheter drainage bag and stated she usually had one but was unsure of its whereabouts. A Certified Nursing Assistant confirmed that the privacy cover should have been in place to maintain the resident's dignity. Further interviews with facility staff, including the DON, acknowledged that the absence of a privacy cover could compromise the resident's dignity and potentially cause psychosocial distress. Review of the facility's policy indicated that all residents should be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity, and that staff are expected to assist residents in exercising their rights. The failure to provide the privacy cover was inconsistent with both the resident's care plan and the facility's stated policies.