Failure to Provide Proper Catheter Care and Positioning
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with a Foley catheter and ostomy was not provided with appropriate catheter care to prevent urinary tract infections. Observations revealed that the resident's Foley catheter bag was found lying on the bed near his left calf and later hanging on the floor, rather than being secured below the bladder as required. The resident reported that the catheter was not strapped down, causing discomfort and embarrassment, and that the bag would become heavy and painful. Staff interviews confirmed that the catheter bag was not consistently positioned correctly and that the resident had not been educated on the risks associated with improper placement of the catheter bag. The resident, a 59-year-old male with diagnoses including malignant neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction, infection of a continent stoma, chronic kidney disease, and an artificial urinary opening, was dependent for all functional abilities and cognitively intact. The care plan included maintaining the functionality and dignity of the ostomy, but did not address the Foley catheter. Staff acknowledged that the catheter bag should be kept below the bladder to prevent infection and that the bag should be secured to the resident's thigh, but these practices were not consistently followed. Facility policy also required the catheter to be secured and the drainage bag to be positioned lower than the bladder at all times.