Failure to Ensure Catheter Collection Bags Were Covered with Privacy Bags
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents with indwelling urinary catheters had their catheter collection bags covered with privacy bags, as observed during multiple interviews and record reviews. In both cases, the residents' catheter bags were left uncovered and visible, either lying on the floor or hanging from the bed or wheelchair, without the use of privacy bags. Staff members, including CNAs and an LVN, acknowledged that privacy bags should always be used to maintain resident dignity and that it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure this is done during regular rounding. For one resident, the catheter bag was observed on the floor while the resident was asleep in bed. The CNA present stated that all catheter bags should be in privacy bags and attributed the uncovered bag to it possibly having fallen. The resident's care plan included monitoring for complications related to catheter use but did not specify the use of privacy bags. Similarly, another resident was observed on two occasions with an uncovered catheter bag, once while sitting in a wheelchair and once while in bed. The resident stated that the lack of a privacy bag did not bother her, but staff reiterated that privacy bags are required for dignity and privacy. Review of facility policies revealed that while the Resident Rights policy emphasized the importance of dignity, privacy, and confidentiality, the Catheterization of Urinary Bladder policy did not specify the use of privacy bags. Staff interviews consistently indicated that privacy bags are expected to be used and are available in the facility, but this practice was not consistently followed, resulting in the deficiency.