F0550

D

Failure to Maintain Dignity and Privacy for Resident With Nephrostomy Bags

Richardson, Texas Survey Completed on 02-19-2026

Penalty

No penalty information released

Summary

The deficiency involves the facility’s failure to ensure a resident’s right to dignity and privacy related to visible nephrostomy urine collection bags. The resident, an older male with malignant neoplasm of the prostate and bilateral nephrostomy tubes, was cognitively intact with a BIMS score of 13. On observation, he was seen in his room with two nephrostomy bags hanging outside his pants, visible from the hallway, and staff reported that the bags had always been outside his pants since admission, including when he walked in the hallways and went to the dining area. The facility’s own staff, including a CNA and the Administrator, acknowledged that the bags should not be visible to others for dignity reasons.

Record review showed there was a physician’s order for daily nephrostomy care but no care plan addressing the nephrostomy tubes or any non-compliance with keeping the bags inside the pants. Progress notes contained no documentation that the resident refused to have the bags covered. The resident stated he never told anyone he wanted the bags exposed and that no one had discussed with him the need to keep them inside his pants. His family member similarly reported that no staff had spoken with them about placing the bags inside the pants and expressed a preference for the bags to be concealed for dignity. The ADON stated she only added a care plan for non-compliance after questions were raised about the exposed bags and admitted she had not discussed bag placement with the resident or family. The DON acknowledged the resident’s right to refuse but did not respond when informed that no such discussion or documentation had occurred. The facility’s resident rights policy states that residents have the right to a dignified existence, which was not upheld in this situation.