Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity by Not Covering Catheter Bag
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to maintain a resident's dignity by not ensuring that the resident's urinary catheter bag was covered with a dignity bag. The resident, who had diagnoses including urinary retention, hypertension, and radiculopathy, was dependent on staff for toileting and had a suprapubic catheter due to urinary retention. The care plan directed staff to keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and to empty it every shift, but did not specify the use of a dignity bag. During observation, the resident was seen sitting in a recliner with the catheter bag resting on the floor and no dignity bag covering it, making the urine visible. Interviews with facility staff, including a licensed nurse, a certified nurse aide, and an administrative nurse, confirmed that the catheter bag should never be on the floor and should always be covered with a dignity bag to conceal the urine. The facility's policy on promoting and maintaining resident dignity emphasized the importance of protecting resident rights, treating each resident with respect, and maintaining privacy. Despite these policies and staff knowledge, the resident's catheter bag was left uncovered and visible, failing to preserve the resident's dignity.