Failure to Maintain Proper Catheter Drainage Bag Position and Privacy
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter was observed in bed with the catheter drainage bag resting directly on the floor and without a privacy bag. The drainage bag was visible to anyone passing by in the hallway. This situation persisted for at least 15 minutes during the surveyor's observation. The registered nurse responsible for the resident stated that the bed was in a low position and was unsure how to prevent the drainage bag from touching the floor. The director of nursing later confirmed that the drainage bag should not touch the floor and should be covered for privacy. The resident involved had a medical history including tracheostomy status, quadriplegia, neuromuscular dysfunction of the bladder, and a previous urinary tract infection. The resident's care plan indicated the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter related to a pressure injury, with interventions to monitor for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection. Facility policy required that urinary drainage bags and tubing be positioned to prevent contact with the floor, and allowed for the use of a secondary bag to prevent such contact. These requirements were not followed in this instance.