Failure to Label Enteral Feeding Formula
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident receiving enteral feeding was observed to have an unlabeled feeding formula infusing through a gastrostomy tube. The resident, who had diagnoses including malnutrition, muscle weakness, and diabetes mellitus, required tube feeding as ordered by the physician and as documented in the care plan. The care plan specified that the registered dietitian should monitor caloric intake and that staff should administer tube feeding as ordered. However, during multiple observations, the enteral feeding in the resident's room was found to be infusing without a label indicating the feeding rate, date, or time hung. Interviews with staff, including an LVN and the DON, confirmed that the enteral feeding should have been labeled according to the facility's policy and procedure, which requires labeling the formula with the date and time it was hung. The DON emphasized the importance of labeling to ensure the correct resident receives the correct formula and rate of feed, as this directly impacts the resident's nutritional status. The failure to label the enteral feeding was not in compliance with the facility's established policy and procedure.