Resident Restrained for Catheterization Resulting in Bleeding and Hospitalization
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to protect a cognitively impaired resident from physical abuse during an attempt to obtain a urine specimen. The resident had benign prostatic hyperplasia and was documented as severely cognitively impaired on the admission MDS, with a BIMS score of 4/15 and urinary status coded as always incontinent. A physician’s order dated 01/24/2025 directed that a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity be obtained every shift for three days. On the evening of 01/28/2025, an LPN attempted to collect a urine sample. When the resident was unable to void into a urinal, the LPN proceeded with an in-and-out catheterization despite the resident’s cognitive impairment and subsequent resistance. During the catheterization attempt, the resident verbally and physically resisted the procedure. According to the resident’s friend, who was present, the resident stated words such as “Don’t do that” and crossed his legs, and later grabbed his penis to stop the nurse. The LPN then called for assistance from two CNAs. The friend reported being asked to step into the hallway, where she heard the resident yelling but could not make out his words. Staff interviews and written statements confirmed that the CNAs held the resident’s arms and legs while the LPN inserted the catheter in order to obtain the urine specimen. The LPN later acknowledged that the resident was restrained during the procedure and that she believed restraining residents in this manner was common practice, and she expressed surprise when informed that residents have the right to refuse care and cannot be restrained against their will. Bright blood was noted in the urine during the catheterization, at which point the LPN stopped the procedure, removed the catheter, and documented that the resident appeared anxious but stable. Later that night and early the following morning, staff documented that the resident experienced discomfort and pain with urination, with hematuria and blood clots noted in the brief. The on-call NP was notified and ordered transfer to the hospital, where the resident was found to have an indwelling urinary catheter with blood in the urine. Facility investigation, including staff interviews and review of statements, concluded that the CNAs had held the resident’s arms and legs while the LPN catheterized him, and the allegation of abuse was substantiated as willful infliction of injury by forcing a procedure against the resident’s will, resulting in bleeding and hospitalization.
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