Failure to Maintain Privacy for Catheter Collection Bag
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to promote a resident’s dignity by not providing privacy for an indwelling catheter collection bag. The resident, who was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 15/15 and had diagnoses including obstructive and reflux uropathy/neurogenic bladder, had a physician’s order for a 16 French Foley catheter and a comprehensive care plan that specifically directed staff to maintain a catheter privacy bag. During an observation from the hallway, the resident’s catheter collection bag, containing urine, was seen hanging on the hallway side of the bed without any privacy cover, making it fully visible from the corridor. When interviewed, the resident reported not being aware that the catheter bag was uncovered and stated that she did not like it and felt it was not dignified. The unit manager LPN confirmed in interview that catheter collection bags should be placed in a privacy bag or otherwise covered so the contents cannot be seen, and acknowledged that the bag should have been covered to protect the resident’s dignity. Administrative staff, including the administrator, DON, regional director of clinical services, and ADON, were informed of these findings, and no additional information was provided before survey exit.
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