Improper Storage and Handling of Bedside Urinal
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified a deficiency in infection prevention and control related to improper storage and handling of a portable urinal for one resident. On multiple observations over three consecutive days, the resident was seen sitting in a recliner with a portable urinal containing yellow liquid hanging by its handle on a trash bin in the room. On one of those days, the trash bin also contained a glove, a plastic drinking cup, a piece of folded paper, and three paper towels, while the urinal remained hanging from the bin. In a later observation the same day, the urinal was seen sitting on top of the resident’s table alongside three remote controls and a piece of folded paper. The urinal had been dated several days earlier, and there was no indication it had been emptied and cleaned between observations. Record review showed the resident had diagnoses including altered mental status and diabetes mellitus. The resident’s current care plan did not indicate that a urinal was to be kept at the bedside or within immediate reach while seated in a recliner. During interview, the CNA caring for the resident acknowledged that hanging the urinal on the trash can was an infection control concern and stated she was unsure where to place the urinal because the resident’s table had items on it, while also noting the resident liked to have the urinal close by due to frequent bathroom use. The DON stated that staff were expected to clean the urinal after use and store it on the back of the toilet when not in use, and that clean urinals should be stored there. The DON also stated that the care plan should reflect if a resident preferred to keep a urinal close by, but this preference was not documented for this resident. The facility’s policy indicated that if a resident keeps a urinal at bedside, it should be checked frequently, emptied and cleaned as necessary, documented on the care plan, and stored on a paper towel on the bedside stand with a cover when not in use.
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