Failure to Maintain Dignity and Privacy for Resident with Indwelling Catheter
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain the dignity and privacy of a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. During an observation, the resident's urinary drainage bag and tubing were found touching the floor, and the drainage bag was not placed inside the required privacy (dignity) bag. This made the urine contents visible to anyone entering the resident's room. The facility's policy requires that catheter drainage bags be covered at all times with a privacy bag and that catheter care be performed every shift to ensure dignity and privacy for residents with indwelling catheters. A review of the resident's medical record showed an order for an indwelling urinary catheter due to obstructive uropathy. Staff interviews confirmed that the drainage bag and tubing were improperly positioned and not covered, contrary to facility policy and CDC guidelines. The Director of Nursing acknowledged the findings and verified that the drainage bag should not have been touching the floor and should have been inside a dignity bag.