Failure to Provide Privacy During Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
A registered nurse (RN) failed to provide privacy and maintain the dignity of a resident during a routine change of gastroenterology (feeding tube) supplies. The RN entered the resident's room, did not close the door, and did not pull the privacy curtain, resulting in the resident's abdomen being exposed and visible from the hallway throughout the procedure. The resident, who is non-verbal due to severe cognitive impairment and a history of cerebral vascular disease, aphasia, and dysphagia, attempted to cover himself by pulling up the sheet and adjusting his gown. The resident later indicated through non-verbal communication that he did not like having the door open during care and preferred it to be closed. During interviews, the RN acknowledged forgetting to ensure privacy and admitted awareness of the facility's policy and training regarding residents' rights to privacy, dignity, and respect. The Director of Nursing confirmed that privacy and dignity should be maintained during all nursing care, including closing the door and pulling the privacy curtain. Facility policy requires that residents be treated with dignity and that their bodies be shielded from view during personal care activities.