Failure to Provide Comprehensive Suprapubic Catheter Care Resulting in Sepsis and Hospitalization
Summary
A deficiency occurred when facility staff failed to develop and implement comprehensive and individualized care and interventions for a resident with a suprapubic catheter. The resident, who had a history of neurogenic bladder, diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions, had a physician order for suprapubic catheter care every shift and monthly catheter changes. Despite these orders, there was no evidence that a care plan was developed at the time of catheter placement, and documentation showed repeated missed catheter care and tubing checks across several months. Staff interviews revealed that catheter care was not consistently performed due to staffing shortages, and some staff were unaware of or misunderstood the physician's orders regarding catheter changes, with some believing the order referred only to the catheter bag rather than the catheter itself. The resident's medical records indicated that catheter care and monthly changes were not documented as completed on multiple occasions, and there was no documentation of the resident refusing care or of the physician being notified about missed catheter changes. Additionally, there was no monitoring or documentation of urinary output or urine appearance prior to the resident's acute change in condition. Staff interviews confirmed that the suprapubic catheter had not been changed as ordered, and some staff admitted to not having received training on how to perform the procedure. The resident's care plan addressing the suprapubic catheter was not initiated until several months after placement, and interventions to monitor for complications were not implemented in a timely manner. As a result of these failures, the resident developed a severe urinary tract infection that progressed to sepsis and acute kidney injury, requiring hospitalization and intensive care. Hospital records documented grossly purulent urine, obstructive kidney stones, and the need for surgical intervention, including catheter exchange and stent placement. The lack of adherence to physician orders, inadequate documentation, and insufficient staff knowledge and training directly contributed to the resident's acute medical deterioration.
Removal Plan
- Resident #05 was transferred to the hospital and remained in the hospital.
- An audit of all current residents was completed by the DON for any residents with a suprapubic catheter. No other residents noted with a suprapubic catheter. Resident #09 was identified to have an order for an indwelling urinary catheter (Foley). Resident #09 was seen by the Nurse Practitioner.
- An investigation was completed by the DON of why this error occurred in order to implement corrective actions.
- RDCO #1022 reviewed facility policies including the Physician Order policy, Catheter Care policy, Suprapubic Catheter Replacement and Suprapubic Care procedures to ensure they were comprehensive, and no changes were needed prior to staff education.
- RDCO #1022 provided education to the DON on Physician Orders policy, Suprapubic Cath Care and Suprapubic Cath Replacement procedures.
- Education was provided in person or via phone to all current licensed nurses by the Director of Nursing (DON) and Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON). The education included following physician orders regarding catheters including catheter care (video was given on steps for suprapubic catheter replacement), along with the suprapubic catheter care and replacement procedure. In addition, staff were educated if they were unable to complete this task for the day as ordered, they were to report to the DON/ADON and they would assist on how to get the task completed. The DON followed up with the nurses after the education to ensure there were no unanswered questions related to the education.
- All current Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs) were educated by the DON on catheter care for Foley catheters using the facility Catheter Care policy. A video was provided on how to do catheter care. The CNA staff were educated if they were unable to complete this task as ordered for the day they were to report to the DON/ADON and they would assist in how to get the task completed. The DON followed up with CNAs after the education to ensure there were no unanswered questions related to the education.
- The Medical Director was notified by the DON of the Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) concern involving Resident #05. An Ad-hoc Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) meeting was held with Medical Director, DON, Administrator, and RDCO #1022. The IJ was reviewed, the reason for the IJ, and the facility abatement plan.
- The Administrator provided contracted staffing agencies education related to catheter care. Education would be added for the staff to review prior to picking up a shift. The DON/designee would ensure agency staff reviewed education by contacting them once they had arrived at the facility and getting a verbal acknowledgement they have reviewed.
- The facility implemented a plan for all new staff to be verbally educated on Physician Order policy, Catheter Care policy, Suprapubic Catheter Replacement and Suprapubic Care procedures, what to do if you do not know how to change a catheter, following physician orders by the DON/designee during new hire orientation.
- The DON/ADON would review physician orders daily and would ensure if there were any new suprapubic catheter orders that the care and changing orders were in place and being followed. The DON/ADON would review residents with suprapubic catheters and would review catheter orders to ensure they were accurately documented when completed by going in and checking if the care and or catheter had been changed per order.
Penalty
Resources
Below are regulatory guidelines relevant to this citation:
A resident with intact cognition and multiple diagnoses, including BPH and stroke, had a physician order for a condom catheter at bedtime, but the EMR lacked orders or instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, monitoring, or changing the drainage bag. During observation, the bag was seen hanging in the bathroom, and an LPN, RN case manager, and DON all confirmed the absence of documented guidance for the catheter drainage bag care.
A resident with a suprapubic catheter had incomplete orders and unclear care coordination. The care plan did not identify the SP catheter or who was responsible for catheter care and bag changes, and the MAR/TAR contained repeated orders to clarify catheter size without a documented size in the orders. Staff interviews showed uncertainty about the catheter size, who would change the catheter, and whether the listed contact number was available at all times.
Surveyors found that two residents with indwelling urinary catheters did not receive care consistent with their care plans, physician orders, or facility policy. Catheter collection bags were repeatedly observed resting directly on the floor when residents were in bed or seated, and the bags were not contained in basins as specified for one resident. Required catheter care every shift was not documented, and an LPN reported that a catheter bag hung on a recliner had slipped down. The facility’s written policy required keeping catheter bags below bladder level and off the floor, as well as providing routine hygiene, but these standards were not followed.
The facility failed to provide and document catheter care for multiple residents with Foley or suprapubic catheters. A resident with a suprapubic catheter developed drainage, vomiting, and sepsis secondary to CAUTI, while other residents had repeated catheter pain, pus, blockage, hematuria, UTIs, and hospital transfers, including ICU admission for septic shock. The record showed no catheter care orders or task documentation for several residents, and the NHA and DON confirmed the missing documentation.
A resident receiving short-term rehab with an indwelling urinary catheter was observed in a wheelchair with the catheter drainage bag hung under the seat and touching the floor, despite facility documentation requirements that staff verify each shift that privacy bags are in place and drainage bags are not on the floor. An RN confirmed that catheter bags are not supposed to touch the floor, indicating a failure to follow established catheter care and infection control practices.
Foley Catheter Bags Not Emptied as Ordered: Two residents with indwelling Foley catheters had drainage bags observed more than half full, despite orders to empty them every shift or every 4 hours. Staff interviews showed CNAs and nurses were responsible for emptying and reporting output, but the bags had not been emptied as expected and one CNA did not report the output to the nurse.
Missing Orders and Documentation for Condom Catheter Drainage Bag Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure appropriate care and services were provided for management of a resident’s external urinary catheter system. The resident had intact cognition and required assistance with ADLs, and diagnoses included atrial fibrillation, heart failure, BPH, stroke, malnutrition, anxiety disorder, and depression. Physician orders dated 4/29/26 indicated use of a condom catheter at bedtime, but the electronic medical record did not contain physician orders or documented instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, monitoring, or routinely changing the associated catheter drainage bag. During observation on 5/19/26 at 11:57 a.m., the resident’s catheter drainage bag was seen hanging on the side rail in the bathroom. Record review and observation did not identify documentation that the drainage bag was routinely cleaned, disinfected, monitored, or replaced according to accepted standards of practice. An LPN confirmed there were no physician orders addressing when the drainage bag should be changed or instructions for cleaning or disinfecting it. An RN case manager stated the drainage bag should have been changed weekly, but no orders related to changing, cleaning, or disinfecting were present. The DON stated the facility expected clear physician orders and nursing instructions for catheter care, cleaning, monitoring, and replacement schedules, and confirmed the facility could not provide evidence that such orders or guidance were in place for the resident’s condom catheter drainage bag care.
Incomplete Suprapubic Catheter Orders and Care Coordination
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure proper orders were obtained and adequate coordination was in place for a resident with a suprapubic catheter. The resident’s admission MDS identified intact cognition and an indwelling catheter. During interview, the resident stated he had a catheter before admission and that it was changed to a suprapubic catheter after moving to the facility because of infections. The resident also stated staff assisted with the catheter. The resident’s care plan addressed bladder incontinence and included brief use, perineal care, incontinence checks, and monitoring for signs and symptoms of UTI, but it did not identify that the resident had a suprapubic catheter or who was responsible for catheter care and changing the drainage bag. The MAR/TAR contained multiple catheter-related orders, including orders to clarify catheter size, change the drainage bag and tubing, clean around the suprapubic catheter exit site, monitor for leakage and infection, and flush the catheter if not draining properly. Several of these orders were left blank on some shifts or days, and the record showed repeated orders to clarify the catheter size without a documented size in the orders. Progress notes showed catheter-related documentation, including a resident refusal of catheter care, a successful suprapubic catheter exchange at the urologist office, and later documentation that the catheter was patent and sized at 16 fr. Staff interviews showed uncertainty about the current catheter size, whether the facility was responsible for catheter changes, and whether the contact number listed for catheter problems was available 24 hours a day. The DON stated orders should include the catheter size and clear responsibility for catheter changes in case of emergency, and the facility policy titled Indwelling Catheter Use and Removal did not address suprapubic catheters.
Failure to Maintain Proper Indwelling Catheter Care and Bag Positioning
Penalty
Summary
The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to provide appropriate indwelling urinary catheter care and to keep catheter collection bags off the floor for two residents with catheters. For one resident with paraplegia, cognitive communication deficit, and an indwelling catheter, surveyors repeatedly observed the catheter collection bag resting directly on the floor, both when the resident was in bed and when she was seated in a recliner. The bag was not contained in a basin despite a care plan revision indicating the catheter bag was to be kept in a basin on the floor per the resident’s preference, with the basin next to the bed. There were no physician orders or documentation indicating that catheter care was being provided, even though the resident’s care plan included interventions such as catheter care per orders and positioning the catheter bag and tubing below the level of the bladder. An LPN later stated she had hung the catheter bag on the side of the recliner and that it must have slipped down. For a second resident with diagnoses including obstructive and reflux uropathy and hydronephrosis with ureteral stricture, surveyors observed on multiple occasions that the urinary catheter collection bag was attached to the side of the bed in a low position and resting directly on the floor, without being contained in a basin. The resident’s care plan and physician orders required catheter care every shift and positioning the catheter bag and tubing below the level of the bladder. The facility’s own policy on indwelling urinary catheter management specified that the collecting bag must be kept below the level of the bladder and not rested on the floor, and that routine hygiene was appropriate. Despite these requirements, the observed practices for both residents did not comply with the care plans, physician orders, or facility policy.
Failure to Provide and Document Catheter Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate urinary catheter care for four residents with indwelling or suprapubic catheters. The report states that the facility policy required catheter care to be documented in the medical record, including the date and time care was provided, the staff member providing it, and assessment data obtained during care. For Resident 6, who had a suprapubic catheter, the record contained no order for catheter care and no task documentation showing catheter care had been completed since admission. Resident 6 developed suprapubic catheter drainage with serosanguinous fluid, vomiting, and later presented to the hospital with low suprapubic output, blood-tinged leakage, pus around the suprapubic tube, pus and gross hematuria in the tubing, suprapubic abdominal pain, and vomiting. The resident was admitted with sepsis secondary to CAUTI. The Nursing Home Administrator and DON confirmed there was no order or documented evidence that catheter care had been provided per policy. Resident 28’s record also lacked an order for catheter care and lacked task documentation showing catheter care had been completed since admission. The resident had repeated catheter-related complaints and findings, including pain, reports that nurses were not flushing the catheter, pus around the catheter, sediment nearly occluding the Foley, yellow drainage, redness, swelling, hematuria, and multiple transfers to the hospital. The record documents UTIs, positive urinalysis results, antibiotic treatment, and hospital admissions including sepsis. The NHA confirmed there was no documented evidence of catheter care for this resident. Resident 47 had a Foley catheter order, but the record failed to show an order for catheter care or documentation that catheter care had been completed since admission. The resident complained of abdominal and penile discomfort, a Foley flush met resistance, the catheter was changed, the resident remained unable to void, and a bladder scan showed 1211 cc with a hard, distended abdomen. The resident was sent to the hospital and was admitted to ICU with septic shock from ESBL Klebsiella and E. coli bacteremia from complicated UTI/CAUTI present on admission. Resident 8’s record likewise lacked an order for catheter care and lacked task documentation showing catheter care from return from the hospital until discontinuation of the catheter. The NHA and DON confirmed the absence of documented catheter care for Resident 8 as well.
Catheter Drainage Bag Allowed to Touch Floor, Breaching Infection Control
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide appropriate services to prevent urinary tract infections for one resident with an indwelling urinary catheter. A male resident admitted for short-term rehabilitation after a fall with a right femur fracture, and with diagnoses including malignant neoplasm of the prostate and secondary malignant neoplasm of the bone, was observed sitting in a wheelchair in the hallway with his indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag hung under the wheelchair seat and touching the floor. Facility records on the Treatment Administration Record showed staff were required to document each shift that the privacy bag was in place and that the urine collection bag was not touching the floor. During an interview, an RN confirmed that urine collection bags for all residents with indwelling urinary catheters are not supposed to touch the floor. This deficient practice exposed residents with urinary catheters to contaminants that may cause preventable urinary tract infections and had the potential to affect all residents with a urinary catheter.
Foley Catheter Bags Not Emptied as Ordered
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure appropriate catheter care and treatment for residents with indwelling Foley catheters. Resident #33 was admitted with diagnoses including sepsis, acute kidney failure, and obstructive/reflux uropathy, and her MDS coded her as always incontinent with a BIMS score of 13. Her care plan identified an indwelling Foley catheter for neurogenic bladder and directed staff to position the catheter bag and tubing below bladder level, while the clinical order required Foley catheter care, patency checks, and emptying the bag every shift. On 04/29/2026 at 11:22 a.m., Resident #33’s Foley bag was observed to be 1600 cc out of 2000 ml full. During interviews, CNA A stated she checked the bag at the beginning of her shift and usually emptied it at the end of the shift or when full. CNA B stated she emptied the bag during the night shift but did not remember whether she reported the output to the nurse. RN A and RN B both stated that CNAs and nurses were responsible for emptying the Foley bag, and they indicated that the amount observed meant the night shift did not empty it. The resident stated the Foley catheter was not emptied throughout the night. Resident #28 was admitted with neurogenic bladder, had a BIMS score of 13, was paraplegic, and had an indwelling catheter documented in the MDS. Her care plan stated she was dependent on the catheter for management of neurogenic bladder and included monitoring and reporting for signs and symptoms of UTI and catheter-related discomfort. Her clinical order and MAR directed that the Foley bag be emptied every four hours. On 04/30/2026 at 5:00 p.m., Resident #28’s Foley bag was observed to be 1500 cc out of 2000 cc full. LVN B and LVN C stated that the bag should have been emptied by the earlier shift and that the output had not been reported at shift change. CNA C stated she had emptied the bag once during her shift but did not report the reading to the nurse because she did not know she had to do so.
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