Failure to Provide Privacy Bag for Catheter Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a male resident with severe cognitive impairment and an indwelling urinary catheter was not provided with a privacy bag for his catheter bag, as observed during a survey. The resident, who was admitted with urinary retention and required significant assistance, was found in his bed with the catheter bag hanging on the side frame of the bed without a privacy bag. The resident's care plan included catheter care, and a physician's order specified the positioning of the privacy bag and tubing below the bladder. Multiple staff interviews confirmed awareness that a privacy bag was required to maintain the resident's dignity, even when the resident was in his room, due to the potential for visitors to see the catheter bag and its contents. Staff interviews revealed that a CNA noticed the missing privacy bag but forgot to inform the nurse, and an LVN admitted to removing the privacy bag because it was ripped but did not immediately replace it due to unfamiliarity with the supply location. The DON, ADON, and Administrator all acknowledged the expectation that catheter bags should be covered with privacy bags to protect resident dignity, although there was no specific written policy for this practice. The lack of a privacy bag for the catheter was identified as a failure to treat the resident with dignity and to promote the enhancement of his quality of life.